I know what you’re thinking. The Cleveland Steamers!? But
wait, what we have here is much more compelling than the depictions of
libertine sex acts one would expect. Hailing from Portland, Oregon the Steamers
are comprised of two emcees – Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik,
accompanied by DJ Aero completing the trio on the wheels of
steel. Touching on topics ranging from underground rap groupies and the
redundancy of modern Hip Hop to political follies and the horrors of war, this
record is a classic example or why you shouldn’t judge a book (in this case an
album) by its diamond-encrusted cover. Behind the faux Pen and Pixel cover art
lies nearly flawless multi-syllabic lyricism and unique flows delivered over
production that will no doubt draw comparisons to fellow Portland inhabitants Boom
Bap Project.
The tone is set from the very first track as Mic Crenshaw
calls for revolution, while Gen.Erik takes a more personal
approach to social issues with lines like “We’ve become desensitized/ Avoid
homeless like the plague/ I myself have been known to evade/ I want to change
but it’s a task/ I can’t afford spare change for everyone who asks.” Two
tracks later we’re treated to “I’m The Decider,” a hilarious attack on the King of the
United States and one of the most creative joints I’ve heard in a very long
time. Dubya is questioned by the Steamers
and answers in the form of samples of the many of the notably preposterous quips
he’s made since taking office.
Not everything is so serious though as they follow up with “Rap Clichés,”
an admittedly cliché song which I won’t insult anyone by explaining the topic
of. “Day By Day”
is an absolute gem featuring a rare I Self Devine guest spot
and a verse by Mic Crenshaw that is so incredible I would have
to quote it in its entirety to do it any justice. Production is a little
unpredictable on this record, but something that’s remarkable is the pair of emcees’
ability to demonstrate enough skill and charisma that even when the beat’s not
that great you still want to hear what they’re saying. Fortunately, this isn’t
the case too often as the collection of producers provides mostly satisfying
sonics of the boom bap variety.
Perhaps the most important talent The Cleveland Steamers
possess is their adeptness at combining humorous and serious elements allowing
them to make a point and get it across while not coming off heavy handed or
preachy. The emcees complement each other very well, rocking distinct styles
and both are dope enough to hold it down on their own so there’s no “wack one”.
The culmination of all the weapons this trio has at their disposal is an album
that, with the exception of a skit and one annoying ass hook, can be listened
to front to back repeatedly. Hopefully the Steamers saved
enough shit to get off their chest for another album.