People Under The Stairs Album: “Or Stay Tuned”

PUTS have done it again in the '03, puts have shown the hiphop world that music with soul & consciousness is still here, still striving. I don't know what it is with People under the stairs but everything they bring out is nothing short of brilliant. They know what they know, they know what underground heads appreciate and they keep on bringin' it & diggin' in them crates for more and more samples. Or Stay Tuned is no exception, and not only that, it is probably the best display of Thes One & Double K's lyrical ability, pushing aside all the doubters of their music that has been such a problem for them in the past. Now, don't get me wrong, personally I think their lyrics are always perfect, because what most people can't understand is lyrics are about substance & if the substance is thought-provoking, conscious & relatable then who's to say it isn't brilliant? Thes one & double K are not the men to look for if you're a fan of hiphop signifcantly rife with metaphors/similes and original flows that can be seen as undoubtedly outstanding (check out Souls of mischief for this type of excellence & wit).

Now,This Mini album (EP) contains 11 tracks (10 tracks and 1 skit/short song) all of which contribute to the album's consistency. "Yield" kicks off the album, playing as a straight "head-nodder" which is sure to go down well at gigs. The bass is just the nod-factor. Then the "mid-city fiesta" esque Plunken 'em with the laid-back jazzy vibe, serving as true feel-good music, runs in at track 2 laying the foundation for the ultra-mellow "Roadbeaters" where thes & K talk about what it's like about travelling on the road (performing live city-to city) and how a lot of people under-estimate just how hard it is. And as fans know, PUTS are probably the hardest working group going, when it comes to serving fans and promoting themselves abroad. The "fly love song" , "drumbox" "OST Remix" and "Yo" help keep the album afloat, before the "LA Song remix" hits your ears. This is probably the best track on the album, with the captivating atmospheric sounding sample & vibe, that is sure to inspire anybody listening. Similarly, SF Knights remix (short track) and Take the fruit (humourous, wacky track) prepare our ears for the soon-to be eargasm that approaches in the form of "outrun". Soo refreshing, the sample on here is just straight class. This is a much slower track, that acts as the perfect outro to a perfect EP with double k scratching for about a minute, before it all comes to an end. Now, give this a listen if you are a fan of the P, or a fan of thought provoking, soulful & conscious hiphop as this is just that, and more. People under the stairs proving that their back! DO NOT SLEEP. PEACE!

Also check out The next step, question in the form of an answer, OST and Stepfather (2006) as every single album is phenomenal.

Lyrics - 9.5/10

Beats - 10/10

Originality - 10/10

Replay Value - 10/10

If you found this helpful, check out my other reviews

theres nothing groundbreaking about this release, but if you want to just mellow out and listen to some chill hip-hop, this is a perfect record to listen to. I think PUTS makes up for their average rhymes with their laid back attitude and delivery. Its not really the substance, but the style that makes this record memorable.

The only reason I couldn't give this one 5 stars in the length of the disc. Besides the San Francisco Knights remix, every track on here emphasizes what the PUTS do best: combine classic vinyl-sampled loop beats with catchy intelligent rhymes. The subject manner isn't as deep as some other lesser-known hip hop notables (ala, Talib Kweli), but the lyrics are sure to entertain anyone looking for quality classic hip-hop. Standout tracks include Outrun, Roadbeaters (which uses the same sample as Reflection Eternal's "Memories Live")and the OST remix. If your a PUTS fan, be sure to add this to your collection, as this album certainly shows off a style that is tried and true.

Once you listen to PUTS, you are instantly a better person than you were before. Why? Because you are listening to REAL hip hop like it used to be, just like the sounds that started it all. It's really quite simple: rhymes, beats, good production with funky sounds. And most clowns have no idea who these cats are. Every PUTS album is off the hook, and this mini-album is no exception. Buy every PUTS album NOW.

This CD is definetely the best! If you didn't like O.S.T, Do not purchase this album. This Album is for real Hip Hop Fans. People Under the Stairs are #1 to the fullest. If you liked this I also recommend NEXT STEP!

LA Song (Sensitive Mix) The beats are incredible! Still representing LA, Mad Props to Double K & Thes 0ne!