Posted on 06/27/2008
Tanya Morgan is a rap group. The last time Brooklyn and Cincinnati got together a classic was made. The Knicks just made a bullshit pick at #6 in the NBA draft. All facts, the last perhaps debatable but time will tell. As for The Bridge EP, it doesn't scream Hi-Tek and Kweli but some Camp Lo, Foreign Exchange or Dilla-era Slum Vil would be within the realm of comparison. Soulful beats bounce and cats rattle off raps naturally like Diddy spitting orders at those Making The Band kids. There's ample swag but braggadocio is part of hip-hop and it's refreshing to hear some fun shit that isn't soft.

“The Bridge” sets it off with organ stabs and punchy kicks matched by history raps that lay out the crew’s label woes and subsequent decision to form a whole out of two parts; the solo Von Pea and duo Ilwill (Ilyas & Donwill). The opener grooves with proof that dudes came to a proper resolution. “We Doin’ Our…” dips into summertime sunset mode with harp strums and key work and the soul doesn’t stop on buttery cuts like “Got 2 Get Done” and “Get Me Inside.” It’s hard not to like a positive jam, especially when verbal aptitude isn’t sacrificed. These guys are mic-nice and comfortable enough in their talents not to overpower the production. They also transition seamlessly which makes it hard to believe they actually linked up on an OKP message board. To round it out and flex some range The Bridge closes with “How Low,” a throwback elctro roller skating jam that shows TM is perfectly capable of flossing various golden eras.

At only 9 songs long; it’s tough to sweat an EP to the highest degree. But this record lays a strong foundation for a forthcoming LP and beyond. Tanya Morgan isn’t rugged like Rwanda, nor are they smooth enough to make you sweat. They lamp in that money zone of air-tight hip-hop that recalls quality production and crisp lyricism. Not bad for some dudes who “met on the internet like Kip and LaFonda.”

- Jeff Artist