Gigantic, Vol. 1

A Philly producer, Small Professor (no relation to Large) hits us off with his debut album. It\'s a compilation-style joint featuring a gang of underground emcees, some of whom you\'ll recognize, and some you won\'t. Von Pea (from Tanya Morgan) kicks things off with the neckbreakingly funky \"P(ea) Gets Off,\" riding big snares, grimy guitar chords, snazzy horns, and a great chopped hook. Kansas newcomer Stik Figa goes off over sweeping string loops on \"Attitude Problem,\" while Al Mighty shines on \"Good Evening,” infused with wah-wah and bongos. Guilty Simpson and Reef the Lost Cauze get busy over the sinister espionage vibe of \"Spare Razor.\" Other guests include Has-Lo, Random, Curly Castro, and Blueprint. While all of them come correct, it\'s Small Pro\'s beats that really impress, a patchwork of ever-changing sample-heavy joints that never lose sight of the funk. If you\'re the type of listener who longs for the days of rowdy breakbeats matched with a perfectly dusty groove, *Gigantic* lives up to its title. It\'s huge.