The Lords of the Underground are a trio from Newark, New Jersey consisting of DoItAll, Mr. Funke & DJ Lord Jazz. The group’s Elektra Records-backed debut Here Come the Lords produced by Marley Marl & K-Def would become an east coast essential, with Keepers of the Funk also being positively received. Resurrection was treated to more mixed reception & their previous full-length 18 years ago House of Lords is regarded as their weakest, enlisting the Snowgoons to produce their 5th studio LP after 5 years in the making.
“Circle of Life” is a boom bap opener with a piano sample discussing the series of biological changes an organism undergoes from fertilization to death whereas “Cook ‘Em” maintains a hardcore vibe dismantling their opposition. “Every Man” ruggedly talks about their bars elevating y’all & everyone needing to learn how to navigate, but then “Another Zone” rawly finds them getting back in a lane unlike any other.
As for “Keep on Rockin’”, we have the Lords encouraging everyone to never give up over another boom bap instrumental while “Out of Body” embarks us a rugged OBE roughly lasting a good 2 & a half minutes. “Absolution” works in these organs telling everyone that only they can save themselves leading into the piano-driven “U Can Get It” talks about being everything you’re not.
“Insomniac” was the very 1st single to come out when So Legendary was initially announced at the very beginning of the decade crossing over boom bap & a hint of rap rock reminding everyone that they know exactly where the trio can be found while “What’s Up?” featuring Onyx rounds out their comeback effort to turn the aggression up 1 last time.
This past year or 2 has seen several of established O.G.s in the game returning after so many years of inactivity when it comes to putting out music & even if So Legendarymarks the Lords of the Underground’s best album in over 3 decades, it still makes me happy to see these veterans redeeming themselves & adding to their longevities. The Snowgoons’ production is a lot more well-crafted than both of the Lords’ predecessors & the group themselves really took their time to making it the best return as possible.
Score: 9/10
