With emcees Destro and MC Karim (aka Night Clubber Lang) and DJ Scene composing the group, Boom Bap Project looks to take hip-hop back to the days before crunk and shiny suits plagued our airwaves. The group is eerily reminiscent of Dilated Peoples in sound and style, but their rawness and basement sound is well received. With Jake One providing some head nodding production, the group proceeds to let us know that Seattle should be known for a little more than just the grunge scene on the aptly titled “Welcome to Seattle.” Destro and Karim deliver exactly what one would be expected to hear with each clever punchline and crafty metaphor. When Rakaa joins the group and the battle charged “Cut Down Ya Options”, the duo stand tall and show that they can hang with the big boys amongst some more menacing production from Jake One. For those that may feel as if the boom-bap sound is beating you down, “Reprogram” glides across the speakers with sultry vocal from Chocolate and an ill verse from Snafu. Other highlights include “Sho Shot”, “Followin’ Formulas” and the Gift of Gab assisted “Wyle Out.”

      With production from Jake One and Vitamin D, it’s hard to say that the production isn’t hitting from front to back. But for those who aren’t easily pleased, there aren’t moments that will astound you if you are looking for some mind blowing concept or risky creation. Reprogram is pretty risk free and there is nothing wrong with that, especially if you are a self proclaimed hip hop purist. And at 15 tracks there isn’t much room for error and fortunately Boom Bap Project doesn’t commit many.  

Boom Bap is just that. In the vein of similar two-emcee-crews of the past like Channel Live or even the more presently Swollen Members, Karim and Destructo keep a steady focus on the word spit leaving the door open for heads to rap along in appreciation or use as background filler in a room full of chatter. Not exactly the tastemakers, the group can still hold their own both in front a mic and behind the board. Karim shows versatility laying the track and vocals for the sublime “Who’s That”. Enlisting outside help is done with out being outrageous and remaining seemingly within the fam, with Oaktowner’s Pep Love and L’Roneous appearing on “Net Worth” and “Odds On Favorite” respectively. Both tracks bump well, with the cameos dropping bombs that don’t sound listless or outshine their Up North counterparts. With additional assistance on the beats by Seatown vets Vitamin D and Jake One, Circumstance proves bumpable throughout. These perks help BPP step up in the game, presenting a solid re-introduction of the Northwestern sound, now the test of time is the only thing left to prove the trio’s longevity.