XLR8R

Def Jux releases always leave a certain taste in your mouth-as if you just picked up and chewed one of the million pieces of gum off the NYC streets-but it's a good taste. And that same raw and gritty flavor that turned Cannibal Ox's Cold Vein into an instant classic reappears here, making Hangar 18's debut a satisfying listen. Hungry rappers Alaska and Windnbreez trade high-energy verses over a heavy, El-P-cloned production style courtesy of paWL. Despite all their bombast, Hangar 18 are best on more their more introspective tracks such as "Boombox Apocalypse" and "Take No Chances."