Posted on 04/21/2009
As a long-time soloist and member of the D.C. Metropolitan-area Remainz Crew, producer/MC yU is enjoying a true resurgence in his visibility of late. His collaborative effort with fellow producer/MC Oddisee and young upstart MC XO – known collectively as the Diamond District –revealed yU’s show stealing, distinct, and snarling verses on the group’s recent debut In The Ruff. Before Taxes, originally planned as an EP, has blossomed into a fully realized LP that will not disappoint fans of Diamond District with its varied topics and moods.

The album’s intro sets the mood perfectly as D.C.-area producer Slimkat78 offers a slinky groove for yU to deliver a short verse, capturing the entire aim of this release. Proving that he’s no slouch on the production end himself, yU sets the platter for the next track “Beats & Rhymes from March 25.” Loosely autobiographical and relentless with the funk, the track is beyond satisfying. “Almost Time,” produced by the sorely absent Kev Brown, chronicles in vivid detail an evening where yU is invited to be part of a local opening act’s set. Reported to be a true account, Kev Brown’s horn-laced track is a welcome departure from his usual sound. “Thought About It,” produced by yU, is another amazing blend of beats and rhymes with yU recanting struggles with his artistry and doing so with measurable vigor. “Breakdown,” produced by vocalist Bilal Salam, is sparse and melodic all at once with yU delivering one of the LP’s more sobering verses. Bilal Salam features on vocals – his falsetto is at times both soulful and resonant.

Struggle and resilience is a common theme throughout the record, which is depicted well with “Close” – produced expertly by Slimkat78. Again, yU takes us through his career’s path and philosophy with humility not typically present in hip-hop music. “Fine,” produced by yU, is a largely instrumental number with some vocals from the MC. With so many tracks seemingly sharing the same BPMs, this upbeat number is a welcome change of pace. That marks one of the few glaring criticisms one could bring about with the LP – a good number of the songs are similar in terms of speed, although topically they vary greatly. “InTheReign,“ produced by yU and featuring Eye@ and Omun of the Remainz Crew, is another quicker-paced track and all three MCs deliver strong performances. The album closes with “Brainwash” – a Slimkat78-produced track featuring Grap Luva, Op Swamp 81 (Bilal Salaam, Slimkat78 and vocalist Da'Nedra’s side project), and Detroit MC Finale. Possibly the album’s best track, it brings about a fitting close to one of the year’s stronger and more unexpected releases.

- D.L. Chandler