.Scienz Of Life

Scienz of Life, a three-man crew known for its forward-thinking lyricism and buttery production, has earned a solid rep through various indie 12-inches and its debut LP Coming Forth by Day (2000). Signed to New York’s Sub Verse label (home to Bigg Jus, Micranots, C-Rayz Walz) the group’s sophomore full-length finds it sticking to its ideals: a love for true hip-hop and all-around positivity, set to minimalist beats heavy on the laid-back jazz tip. Mellow bass bumps and smooth loops are in full effect on tunes like “Alphabet Soup” and “Ancient Rituals,” while piano samples work their magic on “Jazz Sessions” and the previously released power jam “Yikes!!!,” co-starring the inimitable MF Doom. All emcees get nice on the mike, flexing charisma, intelligence, and an all-around good-natured vibe without sounding like hyperactive, pseudo-scientific hippies. Other key selections include the sax-laced “Anthology,” and “Life Jones,” a romantic tale set to earthy keys and soft female cooing. If you’re looking to tear da club up, this isn’t really the record for it. But if you’re down for easy-going, jazzy hip-hop sans the cognac/Escalade/platinum rhetoric, Scienz of Life has got you covered.