First Posted on 03/04/2008 on Okayplayer.com

Philadelphia Slick is a self-described, ten-piece hip-hop ensemble. The collective consists of emcees; Noesis and Mike Tjader. The other eight members include drummer; Craig Kaufman, bassist; Mike Polinsky, and keyboardists; Zach Reilly and Marc Kaplan. On their release, Culture Industry, the ensemble exhibits strong cohesiveness, intense showmanship, and balanced chemistry.

Structurally, the project reminds me of another Philly based ensemble-you know the ones who invented the hip-hop band. The collective serves up bright sound and diverse subject matter cooked to order. Noesis and Mike T are interchangeable parts (emcees) that adamantly showcase skills, intelligence, and a general hip-hop savvy. These dudes are genuinely confident, comfortable, and competent.

Culture Industry is highlighted by the title track along with “Fluent Advice” and “Got Your Back. The emcees offer diverse content and vocal deliveries while the band maintains the pocket when necessary and goes all out at varying intervals.

The musicians deliver tight live sounds throughout the album. The songs sometimes start at a pedestrian pace that gradually builds into an all-out, resounding crescendo. The emcees and musicians feed off of each other triggering an acoustic osmosis. The entire ensemble is intricately locked in step during the process. You can feel their intensity and passion in the music.

While the ensemble’s structural design, hip-hop band classification, and vocalists aren’t necessarily groundbreaking, they are however, solid and consistent throughout Culture Industry. They emphatically prove that substance, craftsmanship, and musical integrity are still relevant in this hip-hop world of ours. While not blown away, I definitely certify Culture Industry an official and well thought out project.

- Mel Blunt