Hydroponic Sound System

      The Dallas-based hip-hop collective, Hydroponic Sound System, recently released their first full-length CD, entitled Routine Insanity. The album was produced by Skinny Fresh and Rube, and combines hip-hop, street soul, urban, jazz, old school mixing, and reggae, intertwined with funky beats and killer sounds.

      Routine Insanity starts off with a song entitled Dirty Sessions, which I actually did not like. I thought it was slightly corny and while the rhymes were original, they were choppy. But for freestyle rap, Headkrack, the lead, actually was decent.

      But I didn't think this was a good leadoff song for the CD, and I did not expect better from the rest of the CD. I really was not prepared for what came next. Every song just seems to get better. Out of 15 tracks, I would have to say 10 of them were slamming.

      My favorite song on the CD had to be the third track, entitled Travelers, which is the first single off the CD. This song is phat because it starts off with cool traveling announcements spoken in Japanese by Setuko Nakamura. What a cool way to begin a song. The words on the CD kick ass, too. Some are slightly corny, but fun, like:

      Other rhymes, especially the one by the lady of the group, whose name I am unsure of, really has a poetic feel to it, almost reminiscent of Diggable Planets.

      After this poetic, thought provoking rap, the beats continue to get fast and the rap follows suit, suddenly flipping towards reggae music as the song comes to an end. This is true showing of the eclectic nature this CD seems to have. What a kick ass song!

      Wake and Back is another great track. This song shows off the true mastery of the talent at hand, as well as, the producers behind it. It is simply a fast rap with a quick and phat beat to match.

      Hydroponic Sound System are in true command of their work. Made evident by the fact that as they slow down the beat quickly follows suit. This is a very well done piece.

      Overall, this CD has something for everybody. As one track states, insanity can be the most normal thing in the world and on this CD, getting crazy and being eclectic satisfies all your needs.

      I don't normally recommend CDs no one has ever heard of to the mass audience. Usually, I recommend it to smaller niche groups. However, everyone can find something to enjoy here and should give it a listen. You can find the CD in retail stores or get it at www.amazon.com or www.towerrecords.com. Or go to their site at www.alt-take.com and join their mailing list for the latest Hydroponic happenings. As the CD suggests, insanity is routine here so buy the CD and get crazy.

      Send your comments and questions about this article to Jminners@ybfree.com.

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