Customer Reviews

Now You Know

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The Unknown Prophets are an underground hip-hop collective from North Minneapolis. They've been hard at work creating quality hip-hop since 1997. The collective includes producer/emcee Big Jess, emcee Mad Son, and DJ Willie Lose. "Now You Know" is their third album. And for their third, they've made quite an improvement since their debut ("The Prophecy" 1998). Big Jess has honed his production skills over the years, creating some truly memorable beats and soundscapes above and beyond "World Premier" (2000). They keep maturing as time moves on, which translates into a positive vibe. Sadly, they haven't found a major audience yet. This doesn't seem to crush their spirit in the least. It actually make them more hungry. It doesn't matter whether they are playing for 1,000 people or 10. They put their full heart and soul into every single ounce of each show (I've seen them 5 times).

The small audience doesn't hurt the respect they receive in the least. Check out the tight battle rhymes on "Dat Sh*t" featuring battle-winner Eyedea, or the dopeness of "Nitty Gritty" featuring Rhymesayers heavyweight Musab (aka Beyond). Although there is a fair amount of bragging and boasting, the Prophets aren't afraid to tackle subject matter that most emcees are. I'm talking about real issues like unwanted pregnancy ("It Could Happen to You"), drug addiction, fears ("All in My Head"), family struggles and a variety of other subject matter. They are very gifted writers, which are most definitely on the brink of conscious songwriting in hip-hop. They aren't just spitting lyrics to spit lyrics. Their flows are therapeutic for them and their fans.

I would definitely recommend picking up World Premier (2000) while you're at it. That album also includes guest spots from Brother Ali, Slug (from Atmosphere) and DJ Shadow. Please, support independent hip-hop.

Great sophomore CD from the UPs. Coming mid-May 2004 solo albums from Big Jess "Good Clean Fun!", and MaD SoN "Peace Amongst the MaDness". Check out www.unknownprophets.com for the latest info.

The Unknown Prophets are an underground hip-hop collective from North Minneapolis. They've been hard at work creating quality hip-hop since 1997. The collective includes producer/emcee Big Jess, emcee Mad Son, and DJ Willie Lose. "Now You Know" is their third album. This album is pretty good. It covers important issues. Top songs include; Nitty Gritty (feat. Musab), All in My Head (phobia), My favorite It Could Happen to You, Da Da Da, and all the others. By the way this is better than Eminem, Dre and Bone Thugs-N-harmony. Please, support independent hip-hop.

the best CD i have ever listened to. Just as good as Eminem, Dre and bone thugs n harmony.