Jurassic 5: Chali 2NA, Zaakir, Akil, Marc 7, Cut Chemist, DJ Nu-Mark. Additional personnel: Roberto Morena (bass); Bernard Purdie (drums). Producers: DJ Nu-Mark, Cut Chemist, Shafiq Husayn. Engineers: Stefan Neary, Mark Ellis, Cut Chemist. Forgoing the grim lyrical concerns of many of their hip-hop contemporaries, Los Angeles' Jurassic 5 point up a more carefree time in the music's history. Recalling the youthful irreverence of the Native Tongues groups, Jurassic 5's easygoing rhymes and bouncy rhythms reveal a reverence for hip-hop's "old school," when the definition of a good tune was something to rock the party. QUALITY CONTROL maintains an infectious energy level throughout. The MCs all take turns playing what they like to refer to as 'verbal basketball', spouting seemingly stream-of-conscious street poetry. Often the lyrics seem nonsensical; the emphasis here is more on fun and less on violent imagery or consciousness-raising agitprop. As demonstrated by the smart production work of Cut Chemist and DJ Nu-Mark, Jurassic 5 avoid simplistic musical formulae. Many of the sample sources are obscure, and encompass a wide range, from swing and funk, to jazz. Open-minded hip-hop fans will find simple pleasures in QUALITY CONTROL's optimistic and upbeat grooves.

• Format Detail: 2LP
• Genre: Pop
• RSD Date: DDD
• Format: Vinyl
• Released: 06/02/2015