As a native Angelino, I might be a little biased, but PUTS is where it's at. Like Kanye and Dre, Thes One and Double K are rapper/producers. They're decent lyricists, but not amazing. Instead, their appeal lies in their deference to the hip-hop styles and artists that came before them, as well as their unique production. PUTS is one of the few groups these days spouting true hip-hop. You won't find any Daft Punk samples here. Thes and Double throw down chilled out, jazz-influenced grooves and beats similar to De La Soul circa Buhloone Mindstate while rapping in classic Nice & Smooth throwback essence, yet still maintain their own modern sound. The "O.S.T." is their masterpiece and features Sugar Hill Gang-esque "Hang Loose," Tribe Called Quest tribute "The Outrage," the chillest song on earth "Montego Slay," Los Angeles love "L.A. Song," and, of course, "Acid Raindrops." They cover so many different sounds and genres, adding their own flavor and using L.A. as the glue that holds it altogether. The "O.S.T." is a must-have for Los Angeles residents.
Montego Slay
