I know what you're thinking. The Cleveland Steamers!? But wait, what we have here is much more compelling than the depictions of libertine sex acts one would expect.  Hailing from Portland, Oregon the Steamers are comprised of two emcees - Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik, accompanied by DJ Aero completing the trio on the wheels of steel.  Touching on topics ranging from underground rap groupies and the redundancy of modern Hip Hop to political follies and the horrors of war, this record is a classic example or why you shouldn't judge a book (in this case an album) by its diamond-encrusted cover. Behind the faux Pen and Pixel cover art lies nearly flawless multi-syllabic lyricism and unique flows delivered over production that will no doubt draw comparisons to fellow Portland inhabitants Boom Bap Project.

The tone is set from the very first track as Mic Crenshaw calls for revolution, while Gen.Erik takes a more personal approach to social issues with lines like "We've become desensitized/ Avoid homeless like the plague/ I myself have been known to evade/ I want to change but it's a task/ I can't afford spare change for everyone who asks." Two tracks later we're treated to "I'm The Decider," a hilarious attack on the King of the United States and one of the most creative joints I've heard in a very long time. Dubya is questioned by the Steamers and answers in the form of samples of the many of the notably preposterous quips he's made since taking office.

Not everything is so serious though as they follow up with "Rap Clichés," an admittedly cliché song which I won't insult anyone by explaining the topic of. "Day By Day" is an absolute gem featuring a rare I Self Devine guest spot and a verse by Mic Crenshaw that is so incredible I would have to quote it in its entirety to do it any justice. Production is a little unpredictable on this record, but something that's remarkable is the pair of emcees' ability to demonstrate enough skill and charisma that even when the beat's not that great you still want to hear what they're saying. Fortunately, this isn't the case too often as the collection of producers provides mostly satisfying sonics of the boom bap variety.

Perhaps the most important talent The Cleveland Steamers possess is their adeptness at combining humorous and serious elements allowing them to make a point and get it across while not coming off heavy handed or preachy. The emcees complement each other very well, rocking distinct styles and both are dope enough to hold it down on their own so there's no "wack one". The culmination of all the weapons this trio has at their disposal is an album that, with the exception of a skit and one annoying ass hook, can be listened to front to back repeatedly. Hopefully the Steamers saved enough shit to get off their chest for another album.