Double A.B. & Dub Sonata

The MC-and-producer duo of Double A.B. & Dub Sonata have been making music together for almost a decade. After working alongside Cannibal Ox and Hangar 18 as Atoms Family, the pair went in different directions. Dub Sonata most notably produced for the likes of C-Rayz Walz and Sadat X. Media Shower finds the two reuniting on--or, more accurately--unearthing some of the best work they’ve created over the past number of years.

The pair aren’t exactly reinventing the wheel here, but in all fairness, that’s probably not what they set out to do. Instead, they opt to show that they make good rap music well. "Standing Still” brings the feel-good ably, as Double A.B. reflects on life over a lush beat driven by an upbeat bassline and an alternating piano line. "Media Shower," which features a ‘brand new’ verse from Rhymefest (get it?), breaks down our relationship with technology and the pitfalls of a society obsessed with instant gratification.

Being that Media Shower is less a single musical vision than a collection of the varied statements these two artists have made, the album never goes into autopilot mode. Each track feels like a new adventure--and while many of these adventures may consist of familiar plot-lines for seasoned hip-hop fans--they are well-crafted installments that feel every bit as comfortable as the artists’ long-standing partnership would suggest.

- Dylan Grier