Posted on 04/27/2009
I don’t know what it is about this guy, Bru Lei, that reminds me of Guru, if Guru was 21 and a part of Wu-Tang Clan. Actually, I’m sure he gets “You remind me of Doom,” the most. But these comparisons aren’t fair. Bru Lei is Bru Lei. And his new EP, Shroom Crumbs, is just that; small snippets of what could potentially cause an incredible trip to “somewhere else land.”

The Ohio native joined forces with the late DJ PRZM to create a stellar teaser to what I hope becomes a full project. From the awesome flip of the same sample used on Method Man’s “Bring the Pain,” on “Bad Reviews,” to the stripped down banger, “Spit About,” Bru Lei hurls sharp roundabout rhyme schemes over really interesting and tinny, cinematic tracks.

But the gem on this EP is the very song that bumped his buzz up to a roar; the tribute to female emcee, Jean Grae. The track isn’t some crotchy, cliche “I wanna love you” song. Instead it’s a dedication, truly a tribute to her from one emcee to another, in sincere admiration. No corn here.

Shroom Crumbs did its job. It whet the palette. Now, I’m dying to see what this talented emcee can do with a full length album, (especially since the death of PRZM) and just how far his psychedelic mind stretches. If this is any indication of what’s to come, people get ready.

- Jason Reynolds