[All(130)] A(5)  B(14)  C(10)  D(7)  E(7)  F(6)  G(3)  H(3)  I(3)  J(8)  K(3)  L(5)  M(7)  N(3)  O(3)  P(11)  Q(2)  R(3)  S(12)  T(6)  U(1)  V(1)  W(1)  X  Y(2)  Z(3)  

eMC "The Show" “Supergroup” is a term that is not taken lightly in the realm of hip hop.  Wu-Tang, D.I.T.C., Def Squad, BCC and a few others can accurately lay claim to this label.  Now, with the release of The Show, the group eMC makes a welcome addition to this elite club.  Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Punchline, and Stricklin are the four emcees that comprise this supergroup.  Ace’s credentials are undeniable.  He’s been in the game for quite some time and has consecutively dropped two exceptional albums.  Lyricist Lounge alumni Punchline and Wordsworth have established themselves as legitimate artists with a bevy of guest appearances and solo efforts; the latter’s Mirror Music dropped in 2004 to much critical acclaim.  Strick may be an unfamiliar name to most, but by no means does that make him a rookie.  This Milwaukee native has been putting in work since 1999, when he first ripped the mic alongside Detroit legend Royce Da 5’9”.    Ace’s veteran status and vast experience help him secure footing as the group’s frontman—a feat that does nothing to detract from any of his fellow group members’ contributions.  Each quarter is able to shine on the mic as they effortlessly work off each other’s energy.  This album attains such a high level of cohesiveness because the four emcees are able to present their individual personalities and distinct styles without trying to one-up each other.  Rather than sounding like a group that consists of four cloned emcees, the members of eMC display remarkable chemistry as they each bring something unique to the table.  Of course, the most valiant efforts of these talented lyricists would’ve been in vain if they hadn’t been accompanied by a group of equally talented producers from behind the boards.  Some of the beats on this album are supplied by Nicolay, Marco Polo, Ayatollah, Frequency, Koolade, Quincy Tones, and The Are. As with Ace’s previous two outings, The Show is another concept album. This time, the crew invites listener’s to join them for an intimate view of life on the road. This format may be fulfilling if you have the time and patience to listen to the album from beginning to end; however, some listeners may find the intermittent skits annoying and an overall hindrance to the flow of the album.  Granted, the skits play an integral part to the story, but the album is still enjoyable in its truncated form.    The lyricism on this album is commendable.  Although some healthy competition could have elevated the quality of wordplay, each emcee deserves praise for bringing the heat.  The biggest disappointment is not the eleven and a half minutes of skits and outtakes.  Rather, it is the beat selection.  Without a doubt, the majority of this album is filled with bangers.  Nicolay brings the heat with “What It Stand For.”  Sentimentality is successfully achieved through songs like “We Alright” and “U Let Me Grow.”  The album falters during songs like the sappy “Make It Better” with its cheesy R&B hook and the cliché “Borrow U.”  Even Sean Price couldn’t save “Git Down” from atrocious production.  When five artists of this caliber collab on a track, a beat that parallels their raw skill should be mandatory.    These gripes are minor in comparison to the amount of quality that is present on this album.  The quartet is able to spit positive messages and provide realistic insight to the ups and downs of the music industry.  The guest appearances are not overwhelming, although ex-Digable Planet Ladybug Mecca’s presence is squandered on the hook of the title track.  The end product is an above-average album by four emcees that have earned the opportunity to call themselves a supergroup. Purchase this song from iTunes by clicking here. 3.5 out of 5 Patrick