Download: Strong Arm Steady “Best Of Times” (f. Phonte)

(from In Search Of Stoney Jackson out now on Stones Throw)

Whether the trio collectively knows it or not, Los Angeles/San Diego crew Strong Arm Steady’s latest effort, In Search of Stoney Jackson, is a fairly accurate depiction of Southern California’s bubbling social/cultural/economic maelstrom. The lower-portion of the Golden State’s original contribution to rap music was largely dominated by rappers asserting their commitment to nihilism. Stoney provides an alternative—not a politically-hellbent and forward-thinking manifesto, but an objective and (affectionately speaking) scattered interpretation of Los Angeles. The album opens with the glowing “Best of Times”—and with the crew frantically trying on metaphors and similes, perhaps seeking a lyrical identity for themselves. However, Phil Da Agony, Krondon, Mitchy Slick and the album’s lengthy guest list thrive when they’re confused about what they’re trying to convey; “True Champs” is a rugged lyrical free-for-all where brutal competition and unity combine to make for some exciting creative tension. For the album’s sunny-yet-seasoned sound, producer Madlib digs his claws deep into his record collection to lace Stoney with immensely subversive samples, such as in the blues-powered “Bark Like a Dog,” with the MCs paying homage to rap music greats over rusty guitars. While Strong Arm Steady’s attention span is stubby and the deconstruction of classic soul records may appear casual, the convoluted search for focus on this latest release may actually make it one of the most faithful rap representations of Southern California’s sprawl.

—Paul Glanting