LATYRX, VURSATYL, TOPE
Given that Latyrx consists of Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker, it's no wonder their albums feel like a long journey through your subconscious set to a wonky beat. The Second Album has finally arrived, 16 years after their first, but still embodies their signature experimental hip-hop, with unusual amounts of song structure and melody. These two poets joined forces in the Bay Area rap scene in the mid-'90s, and have since mostly played odd festivals and opened for funk outfits like Galactic. Those that enjoy Bay Area hiphop like Zion I and the abstract nature of Sage Francis' fast-paced flow will surely cream their low-hanging jeans over Latyrx.