.40th Dimension

Raising up from the ever-growing Philadelphia underground, 40th Dimension have spent the last several years building a strong rep through various self-released projects. After treating listeners to their outstanding debut EP The Clarence Beeks Project and dropping two quality singles, they’re now releasing their first full-length. 40D’s approach is relatively straightforward but extremely tight, comprising Scandal on the mike and Happ G on the beats. Lyrically, they stick to the basics: brag-heavy battle rhymes, wack emcee thrashing, and witty metaphors galore, served up with an abundance of loop-based tracks and gritty boom-baps. Standouts include the fierce throwdown “Till I Die,” the jazz-flavored “Let’s Get It On,” and the tripped-out guitar riffs and oddball percussion of “What It Is.” Interspersed with dialogue clips from various movies (including Philly favorite Trading Places) and sharp verses from assorted guests (Media 101, Starvin Marvin, and more), The Crop Report is one of the most solid releases yet this year, with its classic-style East Coast hip-hop, neck-bending beats, and rugged rhymes.