Lordroc From The Ground Beneath EP This is the first product I’ve heard from Queensbridge native Lordroc a.k.a. Rocco, and the third release on his own SkyGod Entertainment. Not only has Rocco brought it with the sick logo but he’s also laced us with a four track EP set to highlight that this Caucasian sensation can fuck this Hip-Hop bitch any which way but loose. First up is the aptly titled ‘Too Hot’ with production duties taken up by none other than the legend in his own lifetime, Queensbridge’s own Marley Marl. Like the 50/50 joint a couple of years back this is a rich orchestral masterpiece; some bare percussion adds to the backdrop as Roc, joined on verse and chorus duties by Capone and Royal Flush, breaks down some facts for the fakers. Switching up styles, ‘Lordroc Spirit’ is a sick Gee Que produced bounce track that features D LyriK, a co-conspirator from the First Power crew. Needless to say the lyrics aren’t saying shit but fuck it, this is a bounce joint son, and the on-beat/off-beat flows will have you bugging as you wriggle to this. You’ll be hooked as soon as the Indian chants begin and when the bass kicks you’ll be climbing the walls Peter Parker style, believe. ‘Make it Right’ is more of a straight up street jam with a hook provided by Saide Angel, a poignant chorus punctuated with some dope little piano licks courtesy of Finga Prince. The final track ‘Whatever U Want (JazzY!) has a similar theme to ‘Rahsharn’ by Karl Hinds, a slower jam dedicated to the birth of Lordroc’s daughter and the effect it has on your perspective. So four different styles and four different producers; it’s a testament to Rocco’s skills that his personality holds the whole set together. It’s also good to see that, in the tradition of Too Short or Thirstin Howl, there are still US artists working from the ground up to gain a rep in a game full of overnight actors and pantomime dames. Peep it. - Eddie Venom © ukhh.com 1999 - 2002