Dirty Scientifix

ORB feat. So-Called Musicians
Dirty Scientifix
self-released; 2006

83/100

ORB is dope. The full package for an emcee, and the So-Called Musicians are an absolutely perfect compliment to ORBs Golden Era style. If youre looking for a true emphasis on lyricism, an old school sampling process (that is, from WAX), and a true representation of underground hip-hop, make your way towards Dirty Scientifix and get yourself this joint. A fair warning, thoughDirty Scientifix isnt clean, production-wise. If youre looking for a multi-million dollar tracking system with a $10,000 mic and an overseeing controlling producer, take that shit elsewhere. This is hip-hop this is sweat in a basement (Im guessing).

An emcee that is conscious, humble, and thoughtful is a nice break from the norm. Orb shows that he has an excellent knowledge of hip-hop musicthat he is a product of the sound--and that he wants to push that sound forward (or bring it back, depending on your outlook). The So-Called Musicians (consisting of DJ Pro-Creation, EarDrumz a.k.a. the MetroGnome mastering the MPC, and DJ T-Bone Steak rounding out the team) are a very dynamic group of talented beat-makers, although their formula becomes a bit redundant after awhile.

As I just mentioned, the only downfall of this album is the monotony and some of the song structures. Also, for such diligent beat-making, I couldve used a few more drops for vocal emphasis, but that might just be my personal opinion. Overall, it was a pleasure to review this album and a refreshing and insightful view into Seattles underground hip-hop realm. I hope to see and hear more from Orb in the future, and hopefully witness his sound expand and mature a little more on future projects.

-LK1 (okayplayer.com) - Okayplayer.com

"Dirty Scientifix (Orb and EarDrumz) quietly dropped an ill-ass LP in '06, fully conjuring a vintage Digables vibe with Drumz's jazzy production and Orb's smooth, earthy b-boyisms. Swoon units, what?"

-Larry Mizell, Jr. - The Stranger

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