This is the most impressive hip-hop debut I’ve run across in years. Not since K-os burst onto the scene with his aware b-boy rhymes in 2002 has a rap act come out of nowhere with an album worthy of a revolution. The lyrics — shared capably by smooth vocalist Alexandrah and emcee Swamburger — paint a vibrant yet horrifically accurate picture of the state of the socially conscious movement today. They speak not with the blind optimism of a hippy, nor with the blind rage of Sage Francis (who discovered SOS and got them signed). In concise words, they outline the problems the ruled class faces with the message that “ultimately, the fate of a movement lays within [you]… the listener.”
Musically, producer and MPC-ist DiViNCi creates the perfect soundtrack for Sol.illaquists Of Sound's lyrical uprising. His beats tap all manner of electronic-based bass, actually sampling Richard D. James to this aim, while swapping back and forth between hip-hop and its soulmate drum and bass. If there is any karma left, As If We Existed would take over the world. That’s a long shot, alright. Still, it’s albums like this that make reviewing an inspiring hobby.
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