People Under The Stairs – “Stepfather ” – [Basement Records]

Super-fresh beats and lyrics from San Pedro rap duo. Thes One and Double K do it all, including beats/production/scratches, a few live instruments, and they bring some serious mic talent. You want raps about rockin’ the party, getting high, and pretty ladies? Here they are. You want old school legends? P.U.T.S. name-check Biz Markie, Donny Hathaway, Billie Holiday, and many more. They’re also ill enough to mention Donald Duck and Earl Scheib, and then go out for waffles. Nutty dialog snips and obscure pop music samples are sprinkled throughout these tracks. Thes One says it’s “off the chain like a chandelier” and I agree. My fave tracks: “Pumpin” is just that; like your head feels if you chug a few Rockstar drinks. “You” manages to be honest and sweet and in your face all at the same time. Sounds to me like hip hop is in good hands.