I don't know much about this LA group Emanon but I do know these guys have talent. This record is their debuts EP to my knowledge for Ill Boogie Records, a small indie label with a record of releasing reasonably respectable material. Aloe Blacc (MC/Producer) has good flows, solid lyrics and a rather pleasant delivery. The other producer Exile creates a wonderful listening experience with his nice but non overly-adventurous beats. A problem that plagues Aloe Blacc is a problem that effects many underground emcees today. His raps sound good (he's no Canibus people) but they don't sound overly distinctive. Most of the production on this short cd would fit at home on any respectable semi-underground rappers album with their often jazzy feel. To me there is actually a really distinguished near classic song and the rest are really strong efforts as well. Now I'll give a break down on some songs...

Blind Love ~ This is by far the best track on the album. It gets a classic stamp from me. It has Aloe reflecting back on his younger days. How he would fantasize about girls and his friends would clown him because they would be shady and he would know it but he couldn't help it. The beat is supremely laid back, harking back to simpler more fun times in it's self. Utilizing a simple yet effective drum pattern and rich smooth guitar licks.

What Can I Do? ~ Aloe sounds really at home on this beat. It sounds like a somewhat Asian string arrangement for the basis and hard percussion to round it out. The verses are social conscious and centre around how we can be so unaware of all the ish around us, how the media plays dirty tricks, and how no one stands up for their ideals anymore. There is also a dope vocal sample for the chorus:

"/ what can I do?/
/what can I do?/
/ohhhh what can I say?/

What You Live For ~ This is Emanon's battle attack on punk industry rappers that are all about the money. Again using a string arrangement for the core of the production amid evil thumpy bass and it really chops it up on the percussion end. It also uses a good call and response chant like hook keeping up on some variation.

Over all a respectable release for Emanon. They exhibit good production quality and choice in beats all around. They have a budding sense of creativity in their song choices and it's something a fan can look forward to. My advice for Aloe is to change up is flow more if he can to make things more interesting vocal and keep up the good production work to him and Exile. 3 Stars, maybe pick it up if you can get it at a decent price. Peace, love, and soul...

you have to listen to this album it's pure underground hip hop with aloe blacc & dj exile ... i've listened to thousands of hip hop cd's and i can assure you that will not be disapointed

Very good CD, the song titled "What you live for" is by far there best song. Could listion to that song all day and not get bored of it. For only 12 bucks its a good buy.

Tight lyrics, fresh beats, and intelligent content. This album demonstrates Emanon's ability to rap with the best of 'em. (BTW, just saw them last night in San Clemente. Up until the cops shut it down, it kicked ass.)