A skit (“NYC Interlude”) on rap duo Art of Fresh’s debut describing the problem listeners have accepting Canadian hip-hop documents an issue that we hope won’t affect D.O. and Slakah the Beatchild — namely the fact that being equally talented as those on the other side of the border doesn’t guarantee having equal exposure. The Curtis Mayfield reference in this album’s title foreshadows the group’s genteel presentation of sometimes-challenging views and danceable beats that keep things swinging throughout. Intelligent, layered raps and pleasing production make for a fairly complete, compact record. Inventive R&B vocals on the choruses of songs like “Out This World” avoid feeling warmed over, and taken as a whole, the album is a humble, low-key and funky display of skill.

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