If you are looking for some strong production that easily brushes aside the music-by-numbers hip-hop that clutters up too much of the mainstream then check for Neal Rames and Ill Mondo's fine self-titled album.  With a rich and deep feel the production certainly stands out as funky guitar and lush keys seep through the beats on tracks like the fine, Prince Po featuring, 'Scriptures.'  Indeed it would not be going too far to compare the musicality to that of the best moments on The Beastie Boys' 'Check Your Head.'  With highlights including the loop fuelled 'Natalie Moore,' the Percee P featuring '2 Fold' and 'Suicide Doors' featuring Sean Price.  However, to call out single tracks is to detract from the quality of the music presented here.  With 14 tracks clocking in at just under 40 minutes this album is one that, far from getting stale, actually grows with repeated listens. Whiel the music is stellar the lyrics hold their own too as the Cali-based Neal Rames holds the lyrics down alongside his guests who include Stranjah on 'I Know Right.'  'Gold Rush' is a solid example of Neal Rames' lyrical ability as he flips a style that would not be out of place on a Hieroglyphics album.  Dipping between straight breakbeat hip-hop ('Sound Sharp!') and fuzzier, warm styles this album stands out for it's completeness.  If hip-hop was judged purely on musical quality rather than being sidelined by marketing budgets and mainstream exposure there is no doubt that 'neal Rames and Ill Mondo' would be flying off the shelves and into players country-wide.  Underground?  Yes.  Independent?  Yes.  Quality? No doubt.  Don't sleep.

Neal Rames and Ill Mondo - Neal Rames and Ill Mondo