Brother Reade Rap Music

• Words: Patrick Sisson
• Label: Record Collection
• XLR8R Rating: /10

Declaring "I know you want to live in the past/But right here/This is where you're at/So let's go," fluid MC Jimmy Jamz sets the tone for the fresh, rough-around-the-edges debut of this L.A. hip-hop duo. With a loose approach and adolescent-like swagger, the pair possesses back-and-forth chemistry and unforced lyrical ability, with Jamz casually commanding the mic. Producer DJ Bobby Evans' assured, lo-fi production slinks by, the booming beats often setting up a one-two shuffle recalling a grittier Nicolay fiddling with budget-bin synths. Back-to-back jams "The Marcie Song" and "Work Ain't for Players" bubble up with gooey, elastic melodies, while "Everywhere I Go" slowly grinds.