Posted on 10/21/2009
In a time where dense lyrics and layered production have taken back seats to simplicity on both fronts, it is indeed refreshing to note that the underground movement in Hip Hop continues to propel itself forward by not remaining stagnant. The phase of so-called “conscious” rap has long been pushed to the side in favor of more easily digestible fare. However, groups such as Scienz of Life have continued to make music on their own terms and bucking convention at every turn. Their excellent latest venture, Leviathan, stands as both a testament to rail against current Hip Hop trends and a return to form of sorts for John Robinson (Lil Sci) and Invizible Hands (I.D. 4 Windz).

After the intro, which bears a timely message about the media’s focus on the mundane, the album leaps into action with “Break The Spell.” The hard-hitting production serves as a perfect platter for John Robinson and Invizible Hands’ strong, serious message directly aimed at musical and media redundancy. “Touch Screen Queen” follows and the song both serves (seemingly) as a metaphor for man’s attachment to technology and a depiction of courting a woman – both MCs deliver strong performances over the bouncy track. “Big Head Scientist” doesn’t lack lyrically – although the lyrics tend to meander a bit – but the backing track distracts more often than not. Still, this small snag isn’t enough to derail the project early on. After a brief interlude, “Black Devils” and its spacey backing track offer a lot of room for the esoteric lyrics of the MCs. “I am KING” also features similarly interesting production and some of the strongest verses from the MCs thus far on the LP. The star of the track is Invizible Hands and his relentless delivery. However, John Robinson delivered with his most confident rhymes as well.

One of the LP’s weaker tracks, “The Chip,” appears near the end of the record. The song isn’t terrible but the lack of energy in the production renders the song dull. Invizible Hands is solo on this track, save for John Robinson on the hook. The album closes with “Destroy the name” and it is a welcome and rare up-tempo track. Invizible Hands handles this track superbly by his lonesome yet John Robinson is sorely missed. Leviathan achieves much of what Scienz Of Life does well – expert rhymes, strong production, positive messages and the like. The album’s heat fizzles toward the later portions but doesn’t end with a dud. In their long catalog, this record stands as strong as any they’ve release before.

- D.L. Chandler