I mostly know Thavius Beck as a producer, who worked with artists like Busdriver and Saul Williams, along with releasing solo albums of instrumental works. It was with this background that I was pleasantly surprised to find that this album not only features Beck as producer/songwriter, but also as lyricist/emcee. Even more pleasant is discovering is that he’s quite capable on the mic.

Production-wise, this features his unique blend of house/glitch/dancehall/hip hop that he’s been making for years. Vocally, he’s got a smooth, low-key delivery that is capable of some rapid-fire deliveries on occasion. It’s definitely obvious that he’s absorbed style from other L.A. emcees, but he’s not really copping anybody’s style in particular.

Lyrically, Beck comes across smart and politically-minded. He tackles subjects like capitalism, violence, and the record industry. There’s a sense of urgency with this record, which partially has to do with the tons of aggressive hyperactive drums on the album, but I feel that by finally putting his own voice on record for the first time in years, there’s an urgency to his words as well. Beck has got something to say, and he can’t wait for you to hear it.