<< Jack Spilberg: The Ill Advisor 04/23/2000 >>

There's a grip of ill bombs being dropped all up in your area on the underground tip. In this week's API report, we'll take a peep into the underbelly of hip-hop and discover the true innovators of the y2k.

JURASSIC 5: QUALITY CONTROL

World class turntabilism and old-school influenced lyricism is what J5 have built their reputation on. J5 comes correct with their new effort, set to drop this summer. I was fortunate to pick up an advance copy at an event hosted by J5 DJ's Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist. J5 is about to prove in their second album that they're no one hit wonder, thanks to "quality control".

DEL THE FUNKY HOMOSAPIEN: BOTH SIDES OF THE BRAIN

Del is a true innovator of hip hop culture. He blew the spot up as the front man of the notorious Heiroglyphics crew. On the solo tip, Del is able to use both sides of his brain to further develop his creative, innovative stylings.

NONPHIXION: THE FUTURE IS NOW

Now here's a true underground crew guaranteed to blow up your box. Nonphixion has released a 7 inch and a dope underground compilation under Matador Records. Nonphixion comes at you hard with sick beats and ill lyrics. This superior crew comprised of MC's Ill Bill, Gore Tex, Sabac, and DJ Eclipse is way ahead of their time. DJ Eclipse uses samples from DeNiro flicks, Stan Getz, and Public Enemy to create an evil and twisted fusion of beats and samples. In the bomb track, I Shot Reagan, The Nonphixion MC's create flows designed to bend your mind, "yea yea I shot Reagan fuck the pagan ate filafel with binaca bacon who the fuck is carl sagan?"

COMMON: LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE

When I heard Common's first single, "The 6th Sense", a collaboration with DJ Premiere, I thought, DAMN! Common's smooth flow backed by Premiere's jazzy beats is an instant hip-hop classic. Common shows his progression as a truly prolific artist with his dope afro-funky style, Like Water For Chocolate is Common's latest and greatest effort.

Also Blowing up in Y2G

Mos Def: Black on Both Sides
Ugly Duckling: Fresh Mode
Mix Master Mike: Eye of the Cyclops
High and Mighty: Home Field Advantage
Cypress Hill: Skull and Bones (coming this summer)
Dilated Peoples: The Platform (coming this summer)