4. Backstreet Biographies (Remix)

The silky smooth vibes of the self titled track "Supherb" give it away instantly, that the one and only Nonce are behind the boards. Taking the vibe further that made "World Ultimate" an instant favorite, they mix it gently with Supherb's introductory rhymes, him saying "I masturbate with a phonographic master plate". The silk music continues on the single release "Dominoes, Cards & Chess". A strong piano, guides the hustler rhymes. In story telling form, this reality check seems to be in a rather big contrast to the rhymes we are used to hear from underground luminaries like him. And the reality is also what inspired "Born On Parole", a thoughtfully executed social commentary on a real life situation. Real Thorough and Sup' trade rhymes about the struggle they face, the irregularities of treatment, the injustices of life, that when you are 'breathing while Black' you are on parole ever since you are born until you will rest in peace. Again, a soulful Nonce production, with a silky smooth piano flow beneath the lyrics.

And the lyrics are surprisingly street reporting. But the title of this album, "Backstreet Biographies", actually expresses that. That's Supherb's chosen subject matter on many of these songs. So also on his paranoia track "Tweakin'", on a "whatever I've been smokin' tonight, it makes me fell uptight" level. This track again features Real Thorough and the beat reflects some of the lyrical drama. Before the "Interlude" takes the pace back to a relaxing field. But the lyrical intensity is back with "Mr. Hollywood", a tale about some buster, whose 'ghetto pass' has been revoked.

Then there's the track for the summer "Greazin'". Produced by A.M., this self confident track rides lyrically and musically just like the main characters in some motel rooms. Mark The Murderer shows up on "Jay Stroll" over a minimal Nonce production. And Tha Click 88 (Tha Supah Latin) produces the album title track, that keeps up the drama with chasing horns, while Supherb talks about the street in a knowledgeable way, like teaching a shorty on the front porch. "All Bullshit Inside" has to be one of the most enjoyable tracks, just for the fact that our favorite toe stepper Chino XL shares the mic with Supherb. Over a smooth A.M. production, Supherb spits some westside love, as well as some global love, while XL, is pissing off more folks than the last John Rocker speech, while doing it much more eloquently and entertaining, as well as kidding, telling us to "put your bullshit in one hand and your skills in the other hand, nigga, let's see which one's the heaviest". And if you've copped the CD, you are also treated to a 'Drum & Bass remix' of "Dominoes, Cards & Chess", what seems to be something a lot of westcoast heads like to do nowadays. And Perry Maysin also remixed "90008" to a drum heavy dark track, until the album finally ends with "Pherb Hearing", a short instrumental interlude.

What is enjoyable about this album that it talks about the struggle, talks about the street, without having to throw around guns, violent threats or ignorant flossing. And while these topics are new to the super sonic, cosmic, braggin' and boastin' adapted backpacker ear, it massages them in a different, but not necessarily less appealing way.