One Block Radius

The West Coast rises again on One Block Radius's self-titled debut. The Los Angeles trio blends Sublime's poppy ska-infused reggae with Cypress Hill's smoked-out hip hop for a sound that simply rocks. One Block Radius stand out, because at the end of the day, they can write some smooth hooks.

"All On Our Own" bounces with a Sting-style harmony and infectious, quick raps. The production in the background has more in common with trippy electronica than it does with traditional rap. The rasta-freak-come-on "Choc-O-Lot" is funky and fun. That track's robotic backbeat has got the gusto to ignite any dance floor. "Dead Man On the Radio" mixes up funky sonic bells n' whistles that wouldn't be out of place on the Shaft soundtrack. These three cats can also step back and write a solid love song too. "Wantin' U Back" shows the group's diversity with another massive chorus and a few lovelorn verses. Meanwhile, "You Got Me" is a rapturously positive little jam that evokes philosophical 2pac offerings.

Like any good O.G.'s though, One Block Radius feel most at home on the streets. "Watch It" and "We On" prove that—oozing street corner cred. "Shoplifta" shakes with a stripper pole-ready groove, and One Block Radius prove to be a worthy new West Coast act. Most likely, their reach will be way beyond one block and one coast though.

—Rick Florino
09.22.08

"Unclassifiable" is such a buzzword in the alternative hip-hop world, and while One Block Radius' self-titled effort is just that, it's not always for the right reasons. This three-man crew features Marty James and MDA from Scapegoat Wax -- who were signed to the Beastie Boys' Grand Royal label -- plus Z-Man from the extended Hieroglyphics crew. That's an exciting recipe for something different, but add a major label plus some production from hitmaker Happy Perez and OBR, who loose their Sublime meets Tribe Called Quest flow, and end up being pushed towards Black Eyed Peas-styled slickness. The reggae flavors explored on many of the tracks suggest they'd much prefer the Fugees but sometimes this expensive, near-perfect sound works. Take the lead-off single, "You Got Me," which comes off like the Flobots meet Akon, or the positive "Steppin' Away" which puts nylon-string guitars under James' "check yourself before you wreck yourself" lyrics. It's not all about the message as the slacker anthem "Screwin' It Up" gives alt-hip-hop its "What I Got" while the ridiculous "Choc-O-Lot" combines dancehall sounds, Digital Underground attitude, and an electro beat. Sounds delicious, and while it is in tiny bites, this self-titled album never sorts its divergent sounds in any sensible manner, and the band's maverick attitude always seems at odds with the pristine production. Even if it falls short, One Block Radius is an interesting miss refreshingly free of "get money" attitude and T-Pain cameos. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide