9/19/2005 07:01:00 AM|W|P|Danny Eagle|W|P| From the North Carolina hip hop collective known as the Justus League, home of Little Brother and producer 9th Wonder, comes another record that sounds like it's from 1994. This is a good thing. Though I secretly enjoy listening to "Still Tippin," pretending while I'm brushing my teeth that I'm rocking an ice grill, I think the best hip hop has already happened. We all know the beats and rhymes were better further back and I'm always down to listen to a record that is made in that tradition, old or new. This is an album that if played nice 'n' loud at a bar, I'd walk in and say, "yes, this is my type of place." The beats are similar in flavor to Pete Rock's finest complete with soulful sampling that reflects the roots of hip hop, not the roots of synth technology. Sprinkled throughout are crackling clips of old funk and jazz vocals that croon through the past like musical ghosts. The low-key vibe of the album barely sits on the radar, and the beats, while juicy, sweet and familiar aren't anything completely revolutionary. Note I didn't say they weren't good. With some production by 9th Wonder, who's collaborated with the likes of Jay Z and MURS, it's a simple and solid format which is entirely intentional. In "The Downpour" Cesar explains: "I'm a newcomer but I'm old-fashioned... fuck that off-beat rhyme shit Please, sucker boy on a soul mission if you can't pronounce the name then please listen, First Cesar then Camanche Do. not. make. my. shit. sound. fancy." Tracks like "Get Ready" and "The Future" stand out from the rest of the album and rescue it from a mellow grog best suited for background music at a party or a blunted video game session. The instrumental alone would be worth owning. Keep your eyes peeled, this crew has talent and the right sound to create new music that doesn't make you feel bad for telling people you listen to hip hop.|W|P|112713853107122687|W|P|Squirrel and the Aces | Cesar Camanche|W|P|scottlmoe@gmail.com