Bronx Rising in PhoenixGotcha! It's not so much the urban chant that grabs you in Bomb Legacy's new CD entitled Street Lyfe, but it's the daring undertaking of a rambunctious fusion of the Bronx and Phoenix. A provocative combination of life in one of the nations toughest boroughs with the free-spirit of the Arizona desert, Bomb Legacy succeeds in jarring the listener with harsh realities of life underground. Street Lyfe bridges the gap between the Hip Hop genres of both coasts and moves beyond the expected poetry and slam into a compelling treasury of lyrics and rhythm appealing to all cultures. "Overcoming adversity to produce this album," Attica offers as his highest achievement to date. From a raw childhood friendship in the Bronx, both Joz and Attica maintain a certain New York edge and aggression that seems somewhat unsettled here in Arizona. You get the feeling "out west" doesn't move fast enough for them. The music moves fast enough for everyone, however, and the lyrics convey a crystal clear message that life isn't always a bed of roses. The hypnotic background of "Never on E" supports the poetic and prosaic lyrics in a surprisingly oxymoronic way. Use of the minor key and clever street sound effects carry the listener through the cut offering more than a rap rendition, but rather a musical whirlwind of melody and message. "Life on the edge, you never know what's going to happen" accurately describes the variety put forth in Street Lyfe as a whole. Reminiscent of the "Moog synthesizer" of the 70s, "Livin' That" combines a daring effort of electronic sound and 21st century editorial and challenges you to walk your walk when you talk your talk. "Up in the Club" uses clever clichés intermingled with the duo's perspective and excitement of performing live. When Bomb Legacy is in the house you're reminded they're from the "BX" and suddenly, you begin a thundering musical journey that both entertains and enlightens you. You get a glimpse of what's going on in their psyches when they perform. "Up in the Club" serves as both magnifying glass and telescope in its vision of Hip-Hop performing arts. Shym Cutz makes an appearance and introduces the guys in "Beware." Reminding us in the chorus that "there ain't no chaos if you follow procedure," the song catches you from the initial opening phone call from Cutz to the ending laughter of a baby. Haunting in its effect, you'll find yourself replaying "Beware" in your head for hours after you first heard it! Believed to be the only group with ties between New York and Arizona, Bomb Legacy and Status Quo Entertainment rock the Phoenix market with innovative shows and promotions. Attempting to unify the Hip Hop culture from both coasts and parts in between, Bomb Legacy invites other locals to perform in a showcase of talent at various venues in the valley. In addition, the partnership put together a showcase in New York and hopes to repeat the effort by bringing at least 4 Phoenix-area groups with them for their next performance in the city. Street Lyfe, an early effort of Bomb Legacy and Status Quo Entertainment immerses the listener in an amalgamation of style and substance. Once the boys from the Bronx hook you with their sound, you'll want to catch next release High Speed Chase, too. © 2006 Marlene Buffa |