Bambu was part of the Los Angeles-based group Native Guns, a politically-minded hip hop group consisting of two Filipino American emcees and a Chinese American deejay. Bambu kept going strong as a solo artist since the group broke up in 2007. …exact change…Reloaded is a re-release of an album that originally came out in 2008. A lot of people (myself included) slept on this album when it originally came out, but hopefully this time around more people will recognize what a strong album it is.

Bambu worked with several producers, including Fatgums, Nick James, AmpLive, Johnny 5, CZA, Illmind, 6Fingers, I.D., Fighting Cocks, Sabzi, Esta, MTK, Paper Son, DJ Phatrick, and Generation Ill. Despite the large array of producers, the album is quite coherent, building its base with soul and reggae samples. Surprisingly, the track that feels the most out of place is “Swing,” produced by AmpLive and featuring Zumbi. Zion I is clearly a talented group, and this song isn’t bad; it just doesn’t fit in with the rest of the songs on the album. Bambu has great chemistry with Fatgums, as evidenced by several tracks on this album and their subsequent collaborations. Of the many things to take away from this album, I now know there are several beatmakers that I should be paying more attention to. Just about every track has a great groove or hook or both, and each has a slightly different flavor. The bonus disc (short changed) consists of newer tracks and sounds different than the original release, but it works nicely as an EP, and in the big picture makes for a nice companion piece to …exact change….

Bambu is very talented emcee, and I’d love to see him get more attention. Bambu got caught up in gang life growing up in Watts and went to jail for armed robbery before he graduated high school. When he got out, he joined the Marine Core. Having turned the corner, Bambu now describes himself as community organizer, father, and emcee. Concern for how the lower classes and minorities function within society are recurrent themes in Bambu’s rhymes. His work with youth and his past help him communicate this subject matter in a way that isn’t too preachy. As he’s said, the organizational aspect of gang banging is to be respected. It’s just a matter of taking disenfranchised people and giving them the information and hope to create positive change in their community. This is all great, but it’s made even better when delivered by such a talented emcee as Bambu. He possesses a gift for communicating in a way that is heartfelt and makes you think. He also has an ear for good grooves and hooks. Songs like “Spare Change,” “No Fuss,” and others all work on multiple levels. “Out of the Gate” confronts listeners with the power of hate speech, and challenges everybody to take seriously the power of their words. One of the most moving songs on the album is “Seven Months,” an introspective song about becoming a father, with great use of a sample of Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs “Be a Father to Your Child.”

Bambu is a true talent, conveying through his music something that is both extremely personal yet also universal. He can rhyme with the best of them, but also challenge listeners to think about what they’re doing with their own lives. It’s a great combination on a hip hop album that absolutely bumps and sounds great turned up in the car stereo, but also sounds good in the bedroom as you really get inside your own head. If you slept on it in 2008, wake up.