Is it possible to make conscious music and still maintain a rugged, borderline street appeal?  For Chief Kamachi, an original member of underground super group Army of the Pharaohs (which also includes Jedi Mind Tricks’ Vinnie Paz), the answer is a resounding yes.  Very few artists have the history, credibility and diversity of Kamachi.  A staple in the underground hip-hop circuit since 1998, Kamachi has released a steady volume of singles as well as a critically acclaimed debut album, Cult Status, now culminating in the release of Concrete Gospel. 

Having his roots firmly planted in indie hip-hop’s hot bed of Philadelphia, Kamachi has achieved a rabid following.  He’s shared company with some of hip-hop’s biggest acts, including The Roots, Gang Starr (DJ Premier and Guru), D.I.T.C. (Fat Joe, etc), and most recently displayed his lyrical dexterity on The Army of the Pharaohs’ debut album The Torture Papers. 

Kamachi has found his niche in creating music that is street savvy and current, while preserving an underlying element of global consciousness.  Hardly an undertaking suited for the majority of today’s hip-hop artists, Kamachi tempers his desperation with the current state of Black America with an underlying optimism and hope for the future, all within one cohesive musical and lyrical landscape.  If nothing else, Kamachi is uncompromising with respect to his thoughts on religion, politics, and the continuing struggle of his people.

With Concrete Gospel, Kamachi linked up with beat makers DJ Huggy & E-Dan (Ghostface Killah, Jurassic 5, Black Rob & more) to provide the booming backdrops for his commanding flow.  What they accomplished was more than a display of hot beats and lyrical proficiency, but a cohesive body of work that can be both enjoyed casually and scrutinized rigorously.