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The idea that Atlanta is the Black Mecca of the
south is somewhat misleading; it is the base for
the headquarters of Coca-Cola, after all. However,
knowing what we know about Black music and its roots
in the ATL. For instance, it is the home to Outkast,
Usher, So So Def, Lil’ Jon, Eric Sermon, and
many, many more groundbreaking and influential outfits
like Dallas Austin and The Goodie Mob. So it seems
a little on the odd side to picture Caucasian performers
from the area.
Well, The cats from Below Tha Surface
(Mala—pronounced May-Lay and Sev-Leven)
are here to buck a few stereotypes and make sure
you understand that its about the music first
and not the man (err, men) behind it.
To be honest, the duo actually hail from the
mid-east, but have made Atlanta and its hip-hop
scene their home for the past several years, racking
up an impressive list of credentials; including
an appearance on Showtime at the Apollo, opening
up for Lil Jon, Nappy Roots and Bonecrusher, and
performances at every club and showcase in the
city (and surrounding areas).
From this they have cobbled together their debut
CD Push Play.
In their own words, taken from the official website
(belowthasurface.com/bio.html)
they have been “compared to the legendary
Beastie Boys crew.” This is due mainly to
their penchant for party records and a sophomoric
sense of humor displayed throughout the album.
However, especially on the first couple of cuts
“Full Frontal Nudity” and “3,2,1”
thoughts of Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer come immediately
to mind. The Ice comment notwithstanding, because
these fellas do have more skill behind the mic,
they definitely want you to get your Hammer pants
on and take it to the dance floors. There is a
sense of movement and energy that doesn’t
take a break in this 16 track introduction, ending
with the ultimate party starter: “The Party
Song.”
The album is produced entirely by member Mala,
who touts as his influences The Neptunes, Timbaland,
Dre and Premiere. But his sound is nothing like
any of theirs, nor is there even a danger of confusion.
Though, with cuts like “Southern Belle”
(featuring Scales from Nappy Roots), a head nodder
with an infectious hook that lauds the women of
the South, as well as staples like sweet tea and
grits, you can hear the hints of genius that are
yet to come. In the meantime, be content with
rock guitars (ala early Kid Rock) and synthesized
Hip-Hop beats that encompass humorous and exciting
lyrics, if not especially deep thinking ones.
Hey, these guys have said it themselves; they
are here to bring back the fun to a genre that
sometimes seems to take itself too seriously,
not to change the world. To this end, they succeed;
you get party-oriented music delivered earnestly
by two very genuine MC’s. And they will
make you laugh, despite of yourself.
Below Tha Surface should probably been seen live
to really appreciate the essence of their music,
but if you should take a moment to peer beneath
the skin, you will find a decent debut from honest
and talented musicians who just want you to share
a bit of the music that inspired them to create.
Go ahead and push play.
www.belowthesurface.com
-D Tha Man, June 17, 2005
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