Approach and Been

Local talkbox Approach and producer Been are the latest Lawrence hip-hoppers to issue an underground effort found only on CD-R. This is a laudable concept for a number of reasons: First, because there's no time to think things over (Soiree was conceived and recorded within a week), which lends the discs a spontaneous vibe akin to catching a freestyle cypher from the sidelines. Second, with only minor production and distribution costs, the works are inexpensive and offer fans plenty of bang for a few bucks. Third, it allows for maximum experimentation sans the scrutiny that often accompanies "official" releases.

That doesn't mean the indefatigably sunny Approach goes off the deep end and starts toting gats or cursing out his moms, but the MC does take advantage of the format. I'm gonna bring the backpack with me this time, he says wryly during the intro to "Candel Wax" before fluidly spiraling his way through a litany of various flows, switching from Tech N9ne-rapid to Guru-smooth in the space of seconds. (Longtime accomplice Mac Lethal also drops in for a few bars.) The loose funk of "Impressions" could be an outtake from last year's UltraProteus EP, which utilized a winning combination of live musicians and studio wizardry. But the real prize in Soiree's five-track package is "Come Inn," which features a scene-stealing appearance from Deep Thinker smashmouth Brother of Moses, whose highly distinct patter and socially charged lyrics place him in the upper ranks of the local hip-hop elite.