Various Artists Fit For Survival Compilation Vol. 1 Brougham Records

From the city of Vancouver (British Columbia that is) come more sounds from the underground.  Fit For Survival Vol. 1, the second compilation from Brougham Records is aptly titled as this compilation of Canadian MCs literally battles for survival in the fickle world of Hip-Hop that regularly shuns things that are new and/or different.

Beginning with an intro by J-Ras, …Survival opens on a solemn note, but immediately burns into the label’s own group track, “Watch Out” by the Brougham Camp.  MC/Producer Mobius and his crew rip the lyrical warning to all who ‘won test.’  Next up, Dan-E-O attacks the tracks on the Premieresque track “Revenge” rapping machine gun style with battle lyrics to boot.  Continuing on through …Survival Vol. 1 the concept of battle rhymes is reoccurs on tracks like “Civil War” by Ashes and Rik Thret, “It’s Pretty Obvious” by Classified, Connx, and Nathan C, the dark “Price To Pay” by Kesole and Maka Natural and more heavy heated tracks.

Other standouts on …Survival Vol. 1 are the production rich “Black Ordeals” featuring Lex Shooter, Jahi and Zellust that is reminiscent of tracks from Raekwon’s ’95 classic Only Built For Cuban Linx.  Then the French connection makes a timely presence on the Francais influenced, violin laden “Murmures” by Kodiak and Comar.  “Lost Souls” by Brougham Camp, “Independent Slaves” by Ink Operated and Governor Bolts, which describes the trials of artists and the mandatory ghetto love ballad, “Bonus (Playin’ Me)” by Xavia Zen tells the tale of infidelity, jealousy and future DV allegations.

Overall, Fit For Survival Vol. 1 is a quality listen from artists who stomp through Canada but do not get a fair listen in the United States.  The chemistry of the compilation is especially impressive with quality production, underground elements and even some R&B to lighten the load of too many latch-key kids taking hardcore lyrics to heart.  The real strength of the album is the diversity in content, the remaining love for battle and conscious lyrics and the independent creativity on display.  Fit For… is not classic material, but this album will leave an impression on open-minded listeners looking for something new and different in Hip-Hop.  Fit For Survival is surely fit for a listen.

Jose@seaspot.com

DJ Luvva J

www.broughamrecords.com

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