Immediately after the success of their debut album, Will Rap For Food, CunninLynguists added a new member in SOS to balance out the Emceeing duties on the record, in order for Kno to focus on production.
The result was Southernunderground, an instant classic that was amazingly recorded in just under 2 weeks.
Upon its release, long-standing music mags such as SPIN Magazine gave Southernunderground a well deserved A- in their review, while The Source magazine featured them in their 'OFF THE RADAR' column. Feautured as one of URB Magazine's 'NEXT 100', nearly every reviewer, site and trade publication sung its praises.
Still, what was most impressive about this sophomore album wasn't the plethora of favorable reviews - but the incredible amount of artistic growth shown over their already excellent debut, WRFF. Southernunderground exemplified the utmost level of lyrical and musical sophistication possible on an album. Already sounding like seasoned veterans along side Masta Ace on the RJD2-produced leadoff 12" single, "Seasons (f/ Masta Ace)", SU served as a true testament to their staying power and capability.
Songs like the anthemic "The South," push your wig back while the tributary "Appreciation (f/ Cashmere The PRO)," melt in your mind and resonate with poignancy. From the genre-flipping, drum & bass tale of insanity that is "Falling Down," to the cathartic examination of a love slowy dying on "Rain," the CunninLynguists hit so many thematic angles it will leave your head spinning.
With Deacon & SOS allowed to focus on the MC duties, they freely tackle an incredibly diverse range of topics - from hip-hop history to modern politics. Left to his craft, Kno makes immeasurable imrpovements over his first production effort. With his motto: "My interludes will son your 12" beat," he set forth to cement his place among the elite crop of new producers. And succeed he did.
Southernunderground is a MUST-HAVE for any hip-hop fan, and is THE best hip-hop album of 2003 bar none.
01. Intro
02. Southernunderground
03. The South
04. Love Ain't (Feat. Tonedeff)
05. Rain
06. Doin' Aight
07. Interlude 1
08. Old School
09. Seasons (Feat. Masta Ace)
10. Nasty Filthy (Feat. Supastition & Cashmere The Pro)
11. Falling Down
12. Sunrise / Sunset
13. Interlude 2
14. Appreciation (Remix) (Feat. Cashmere The Pro)
15. Dying Nation
16. War
Nothing to say really except, if you ain't got or heard this, your really missing out on a modern classic. Which is better, this or their debut... you decide!
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