If you know me, you know I’m especially fond of the old school -- the only school -- steelo. As such, I’m delighted to bless the Milkysphere with the glorious chords of New Jersey emcee Ran Reed and his 20-track blockbuster LP Still Commanding Respect.
Headlining Ran's monster project is a two-in-one feature video for a couple of standout cuts from the album: "Pathetic M.C.'s" and "Doo Doo," featuring Reed's big homie DJ Modesty on the 1's and 2's. Peep out the ill visuals below, directed by The Last American B-Boy.
Still Commanding Respect is a front-to-back blapfest that will leave your head on a swivel from the minute the needle hits the wax. One of my favorite joints is the opener "Timeless," a Golden Age-tinged classic that sets the tone for the rest of the LP and showcases Reed's gritty, gravelly, full-bodied, Rakim-esque mouthpiece. Some other must-peep bangers include "The Crew" (Ft. U.G.) and "Marked For Death," where Reed tags in hip hop legend Kool G Rap.
Still Commanding Respect is now available through iTunes and all major digital retailers and streaming platforms, and can be purchased on CD, exclusively through Fifth Element. Be on the looky for more next-level spins from Ran Reed as he continues to treat M-I-Cs like red-headed stepchildren.
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