CROWN CITY ROCKERS - BODY ROCK

I can't say enough about this group.

When it comes down to undiluted, pure, genuine music, no other independent band in hip-hop does it better than Crown City Rockers. Their work is simply music in its finest form - from the soul. My brother introduced me to this five-piece collective when they dropped their second collaborative effort Earthtones a few years ago and I've been a loyal supporter ever since. Consisted of MC Raashan Ahmad, bassist Headnodic, keyboardist Kat Ouano, percussionist Woodstock, and drummer Max MacVeety, Crown City's humbled beginnings began in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston until they relocated to Oakland to further their musical aspirations.

Classic soul samples smoothly intermingled with jazz-influenced melodies and hip-hop overtones is the magical formula for the band's signature sound. Raashan's throwback flow and inspiring lyrics truly brings Crown City's live instrumentation to life. The group is readying the release of their currently untitled third studio album early next year with a new EP featuring "Body Rock," the album's first single, and "Restless." In "Body Rock," we find a refreshingly upbeat and festive rhythm that's untypical compared to most Crown City recordings. I'm really looking forward to seeing what's next for this Bay Area collective. Five years to drop a new album is obviously way too long. Are they going to go the upbeat route this time around? Hey, why not? Check out the EP's album artwork after the jump. You can also listen to "Restless" on Crown City's MySpace page here.

Download: Crown City Rockers - Body Rock