When you head to the store to pick up the new release, three scenarios are common place. One, you are hoping that the release will be the elusive classic that you can listen to five years from now without skipping a beat. The second setting is getting an album for stellar tracks from certain artists that you can't go without. The last circumstance is the need for new ear candy, which can turn into recyclable fodder or a surprising outing from the musicians at hand. So you might ask; where does BK & Associates stand? Well, this new release from Blake Knight, one half of ill harmonics, falls into the second category. On this outing Blake Knight has stepped off the stage and has firmly placed himself behind the boards. Knight confidently produces the whole album with some of the industries nicest MC's dropping their lyrical mite. There is too much talent on hand for the album to slip, but as always certain individuals shine brighter then others. LA Symphony bring a real sense of urgency with their submission "Rhythm to the Rhyme." Pigeon John, Flynn and Sharlok Poems are the chosen Symphers to embellish on the cut and leave no room for error. Blake supplies the three MC's with the template that emphasizes the LA Symphony sound. To the MC's merit all are on top of their game, the only downside to the song is the brief length coming in at a punk rock 2:38. "What's Real" by the Tunnel Rats drops knowledge the only way the Rats can, so fresh and so clean. Peace 586 makes his triumphant return as a Tunnel Rat and fits in like he never left. Knight's production seems like it came from an Asian cinematic epic. Each chosen rat glides over the peaceful sounds with precision and wisdom. A sudden burst of energy is injected by MG the Visionary in the banger "All Around the World." Early 90's chaotics is provided by Knight, and as we all know MG has no problem keeping up with break neck flows and mind bending vocal acrobatics. This track made us really miss MG! Whether it is MG the Visionary or Mars ill, Blake proves he has a feel for different hip hop avenues. This compilation will not go down as an all time classic, but should be considered for must have tracks from a hand full of MC's.
