While Eminem clearly proved that a rapper could make it big out of Detroit, he has had help from Royce Da 5’9, Obie Trice and Slum Village in giving the motor city a reputation as a good hip-hop city. And now, up pops the SAC with “Up Pops The SAC.” The foursome out of the D known as the Starving Artists Crew consists of emcees SP, IQ and Brainstorm along with DJ Phizyx.
Versed in the true school tradition with a constant feel good vibe (see “SAC Swagger” and “The Kick Clap”), SAC has garnered well founded comparison’s the left coast’s People Under The Stairs and Jurassic 5. “The Promise” and “Ill Na Na” just reek of PUTS’ influence, which is by no means a negative. Even the slammin’ “Five Day Trippin” features Thes One. While their production may have some pointing to the West, it is their relatable subject matter that keeps them in line with Detroit’s working class reputation. “Vic To The Hailers” is a nice ode to the die hard football fan, and “Saggy Pants” is a classic tale of the misplaced hip-hoppa.
The album has a good balance of songs that highlight the emcees and those that show off the production. The breezy feel of “Feed The Homeless” does the latter whereas “Artist Redux” is an impressive skill showing session for SP, IQ and Brainstorm. “B-Boy Buffet” is a real highlight here as they rundown your favorite artists and the food dishes they have inspired; “and for the holiday spirit Big Daddy candy Kane’s/Fries Called Quest, De La Coleslaw…” The albums closer is another gem, “Dedicated,” a cut for pioneers, supporters and peers alike.
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“Up Pops the SAC” is a good album and it will certainly appeal to a large chunk of indy supporters. There may be no mind-blowing material here, but there really isn’t anything not to like. The beats are nice, the emcees are nice, the album is, well, nice.
7/10
