Posted on 10/07/2008
Look, this mixtape is absolutely nonessential to your collection, but that’s okay, so keep reading. With only two studio tracks, this release is basically just a highlight reel of this nine man hip-hop band’s live performances at Nublu Thursday Nights (in Manhattan). Regardless of how dope some of these live cuts are, repeated listens are likely to be reserved for strict diehards. Repeated listens, however, may not be the intent; while this release might have a limited shelf life, it instantly placed The Real Live Show high on my list of groups to see live in the flesh. So while I can’t say much for this release itself, it concisely confirmed exactly why The Real Live Show has the buzz it does.

The seven piece band is comprised of accomplished session musicians, many of whom have worked with some of today’s biggest names. The live tracks flaunt the ensemble’s tight musicianship, while the studio joints show their ability to effectively translate these chops to hip hop production. (That crew from Berklee should take note.) The band is fronted by (DJ) Stimulus and Dionysus. As this project confirms, these two emcess are both charismatic performers and compliment each other quite nicely. With sharp wordplay, and sharper social commentary, both lyricists get the job done.

The studio tracks left me wanting more. The live tracks left me wanting concert tickets. Not bad for a disc I could do without.

- M. Steve Hammer