I always try to keep an ear glued to the ground so that I can hear everything going on underneath it. But somehow, and I’m kicking myself for it, K-otix were still able to come in below the radar. Consisting of emcees Mic and Damien, and producer Russel, K-otix’s sound is indeed Universal as the title of their debut boasts. Although the trio hails from Houston a listener could easily mistake them for an underground New York, or even LA gig. Their beats and subject matter are enjoyable, and applicable to all.

Upon listening through Universal it becomes evident that K-otix have constructed a formula for making songs, one which they’re very good at; combine some dope rhymes with good beats, and add excellently layered and mixed samples. Prime examples of this equation pop up on the album’s best track World Renown, and on the melodic Love Songs. The Word benefits from premiere sequencing whereas U Know The Name is blessed by perfectly timed, and accented woodblock strikes. K-otix make their deep love for hip hop well known throughout Universal and especially on the positive-minded Take My Life on which the piano chords sound eerily like those on Common Sense’s Resurrection. Perhaps one of the most impressive things about this group is their ability to pick a theme for a track and stay consistent from beginning to end, such as was done on My Life Pts. 1, 2, & 3. Each section has a different background but all three are excellent. The third of these is surprisingly simple, just a hard beat and a hollow echoing noise, but remarkably proficient.

When it comes to lyricism these guys are no slouches. Check this rhyme from C.P.R.: revitalizing life through mic resuscitation/K-O-T-I-X/the most common cause of a cardiac arrest/we came to show the world who we are/and bring it back to life/C-P-R. However, although K-otix may have their formula down to a tee it does become somewhat redundant. Many of the snares and hi-hats sound very similar, and tracks like Legendary, and Take A Breather are stale both in lyrics and production. Fortunately, the two tracks that do stray from the pattern the jazzy The Club and the up-tempo Mind Over Matter are both successful.

Overall, Universal is a very promising debut for K-otix. In fact this is the best introduction to a new group that I’ve heard in years.