Reviewed by Stephen Adams

The MCing/producing duo of Cook Book & Uno Mas, formerly known as The Eternals are part of the 9 strong hiphop crew, L.A.Symphony. So while we wait for Squint/Word to get their act together & release the Symph's album, the crew have decided to bless the world with various independent solo releases from it's individual crews and artists. A word of caution to the listener, DO NOT listen to this, if you don't like your music to be fun. That's what L.A. Symphony exude over tracks and Cook Book & Uno Mas are no different. From the self-styled "backyard funk" of "Not into games" that will have you dancing like a lunatic, to the tales of being ignored by girls, 'coz the duo have to trust God for bus fare & live with their parents on "Public Transit", to Cook Book's humourous ditty, where he bemoans the "Street Sharks" that are "always trying to bite the styles that [he] recites" and it's 70's musical breakdown, a la Grease, will have you grinning from ear to ear. The overall album has a very jazzy feel to the production and as well as having fun, the crew also drops some lyrical gems. On "Live Motivator", fellow Symphonians bTwice and Sharlok Poems join the duo to hit you over the head while they "come correct like a wrong answer reciprocal" and teach you that "if your words lack intelligence, shut your mouth & keep walking" over a simple, yet head-noddingly catchy beat. Don't miss out on this. My vote for album of the month.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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