Excuse the slight bias but Thes and Double have done it agai
J. Curry | Southfield, Michigan United States | 10/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's been ten years for these guys? I can't even tell.
No really I mean it. They are one of the most consistent hip hop acts that I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. They don't have a single bad album. Not even a mediocre one!
So 'Stepfather', the duo's previous album, was quite the leap (for them anyways) from the sound of their previous work. It was most definitely a bit odd. It certainly took a few listens before songs began to click with me. That's usually the case with P.U.T.S. You'll have to give the album repeat listens (usually just a few, like three) before your mind gets a chance to really gel with with the album's vibe. Also, the lyrics got a bit heavier in their content. It's not just about digging through crates and partying now.
This one is no different. However, the lyrics and beats are more down to earth this time around. I wouldn't make the mistake however, of saying that it's more of the same. Hardly. Their sound continues to progress. I'm not sure how Thes keeps pulling out these sounds from his mind but he does. I love the sample on certain public enemy song. It's used very well and the way other beat swings in for the chorus is very cool. It's a treat for the ears.
The lyrics have improved since their older efforts as well. It seems that life has added some complexities to their lives and their raps demonstrate that. Thes One is now a father and deals with how it felt to be an expectant dad in the song 'A Baby.' In the song 'The Fun' they rap about what it's like to be rolling in cash but still manage quit easily to stay down to earth. They don't forget for a moment where they have come from. It's certainly a nice change of scenery from their usual drinking/smoking and partying. Not that they have stopped with doing any of those activities. This album isn't called 'Fun DMC' for nothing!
And it is a very fun album. It's just another fantastic effort from them. Their passion after 10 years remains very strong and will probably continue until they can't pick up mics anymore.
Check out: Party Enemy No 1, Party On Ya, The Wiz, California, Same Beat (The Wesley Rap). Just to name a few."
Fresh and Intricate Album
J.K. | LA | 09/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are sick of all of the crap that they call 'hip-hop' they play on the radio, People Under the Stairs is definitely to check out. With Jazz undertones, the beats are definitely in its own class in the world of hip-hop. There will be songs for everyone (whether a hip-hop head or someone new to the game) to enjoy in this upbeat feel-good album. The theme of the whole album is a summer barbecue; I felt the heat of a Los Angeles day and the smell of food on a grill while listening to the album. I have enjoyed all of their previous albums, and with Fun DMC, I've noticed the ongoing musical maturation of the group."
High Energy, Positive Hip-Hop at its finest
M. R. Kleinschmidt | Madison, WI | 10/02/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"People Under the Stairs "Fun DMC" album is all about having fun. Thes One and Double K talk about putting the guns away and just having fun with the friends and family. For all you B-Boys out there this is some fresh new material to hit the floors with. It has the nostalgic 70's funk flavor with a 2008 twist. For some of you old hip-hop heads out there this will take you back to '79. With every album P.U.T.S. has released the love gets larger for them worldwide.
My first impression of this album is that the beats sound so much different than previous releases like Stepfather, O.S.T (my fav), ..Or Stay Tuned. Maybe Thes One and Double K are getting more experimental with their production? Regardless, the lyrics are solid and the beats are catchy and show that they put a lot of effort and hard work into this album. Just listen to the track "Grind", Thes will tell you all about it.
I saw these guys live in Chicago after the release of Stepfather and they are genuine guys. They are not trying to be flashy, they are not cocky and they will give anyone the time of day. Can you remember the last time you went to a show and the artist came out to talk to fans after the show? That's what Thes and Double K do. We show love to them, they will show it back to us. Check these guys out!"
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1