Search - Cunninlynguists :: Southernunderground

The South Will Rise Again!

Cuzz | Where Real Music Lives | 05/06/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The American south isn't often noted for progressive Hip Hop music, heck its often hard to find quality of any kind. CunninLynguists come to bring respectable sounds to that of the generic southern soulless thump that rages through the rap music industry. This is their sophomore effort and they have added to their ranks another rapper, Mr. SOS (hailing from Florida).The other original rapper is Deacon The Villain (he comes from Kentucky). The key to CunninLynguists creative success lies in their producer Kno (Atlanta based dude). Kno proves to be an interesting, creative producer, and one to look out for in the future. He was one of the many producers to do a remix job of Jay-Z's "The Black Album". All three members bring strong lyrical abilities (yes Kno raps too, Jim) and good flows. Each has their own style of delivery but Deacon's deep thunderous voice is the real stand out vocally. SOS has a good voice but sounds undistinguished and Kno just has a little something that separates him from every other white MC. They add guest rappers and producers to spice things up on this album a smidgen more as well. The guest MCs are undergrounders like themselves but rap vet Masta Ace shows up to really stand out. A couple of underground producers aid Kno in the beat department (most notably Def Jux' RJD2). All the elements come together to escape the sophomore jinx & bust out an honest and fresh album. Now I'll get into some of the songs...Southernunderground ~ Domingo (check Masta Ace's "Disposable Arts", Jim) helps produce this energizing title cut. It uses paranoid keys and a hard electric guitar riff. It has slightly boring percussion but the vocal scratches make up for it ( some chick and Andre 3000 of Outkast, Bob). It is essentially a boastful track but there is also some regional flare in the playalistic undertones. They all come off pretty witty, but lyrically Kno takes this one to me.Rain ~ SOS gets a workout on this solo joint. It is a personal song about how he was in this long term relationship (engaged) and everything was kool but she up and cheated. He really impressed me with his ability to craft the song. Kno produces a wonderfully complimentary beat, Using a forlorn piano loop and spooky strings thrown in to flesh it out. He also uses some nice grainy, dirty drums. The hook is a befitting Elton John vocal sample. Really a superb song.Old School ~ Kno producers another banger. He uses what sounds like it was lifted from a 1920's big band set. Using a deep string arrangement and fleeting flutes. It also sounds as though there are horn jabs supporting the strings. The song has an interesting concept as well. It has the listener following the rappers through time chillin' with various historical figures. Out of the various tradeoff lines I think Deacon steals the show. The chorus is kinda weak though using various vocal cuts.Seasons ft/ Masta Ace ~ This track has the emcees reminiscing on how this old hip hop/rap thing got cracking back in the day. Masta Ace (who was around back then as part of The Juice Crew) drops a tight verse, which is my favourite in the song (not his personal best mind you). While Deacon, Kno and SOS get bested they don't get murdered, they hold their own. I really feel what they are saying and its sad to see the state of popular rap music today and it's lack of history. RJD2 drops a fine production, here. It uses a string sample that sounds like it might be something Premo would use. The rest of it is pounding percussion and a twangy guitar loop.All in all a solid release, but they have their drawbacks. They have upbeat songs but nothing too fun, add some. Their choruses can using some tightening up. Mr. SOS needs to work on his delivery. If they add those things and keep their strong points which are dope lyrics, fresh production and heartfelt music making in general, they should be able to make a near classic joint. They seem to have an Outkast influence, with the title of the cd taking more than one word and rolling it into one "Southernunderground", and the sampling of Andre's voice. This is good because for awhile Outkast & Scarface were some of the only worthwhile artists in the dirty. With Outkast getting more creative than ever, fun and quality acts like Ludacris & Nappy Roots and new blood like Little Brother & CunninLynguists the south is looking to rise again! Good album, you can get it here for a decent price but it might be hard to find on the street, 3 stars. Peace, love & soul..."

Hip-Hop for real people.

Trashcan And | Allentown, PA USA | 05/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Do you love hip-hop?

Are you saddened by the current state of hip-hop?

Do you like the south?

Do you have taste in music?

Do you want to assault Mike Jones?



If you answered yes to any of these questions. Southernundergroud is what you need in you're life. From the opening intro to the second track, Southernground, to the third track and so on. This album is the most innovative, real, hip-hop south of the Mason-Dixon. Deacon the Villain, Mr. SOS, and Kno will change the way you listen to music. In this age where good Hip-Hop is scarse, you don't have to pretend to be amazed by goofy bling-bling rappers, there is another choice. Get this album, Southernunderground, by Cunninlynguists rappers who a normal human can relate to. Just buy it and find out."

"That nasty, filthy underground"

Zack | Houston, TX | 03/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Southernunderground.. where to start.. the beautiful, crazy, unique production Kno never fails to drop (3 songs done by Domingo, RJD2 & Freshchest Prose).. the insane Southern Hip Hop feel.. the over-looked 9/11 song (Appreciation (Remix)) capable of bringing tears to your eyes.. or maybe the crazy impulsive anger track (Falling Down) which shows some similarities to the movie "Falling Down" from the '90s and will have you with a dropped jaw before it's half way through? This album is put together perfectly. The crazy, fun songs like Southernunderground, Nasty Filthy (f/Supastition & Cashmere the PRO), etc. Some reflective & serious songs like Love Ain't (f/Tonedeff), Doin' Alright, etc. And the interludes (and instrumental track "War") are beautiful.. War is one of my personal favorite instrumentals. Then "Seasons (f/Masta Ace".. a song about the seasons of Hip Hop.. how it's changed over time.. it's simply dope. You will NOT be disappointed with this CD if you check it out with an open mind."