The Music Tank

Staff review

Straight from Philadelphia, MC duo The YMD present "Excuse Me, This Is The Yah Mos Def", their debut full-length album.

The album begins to the sound of a guitar being tuned followed by the MCs mixing in the mandatory presentation of the band's name. From then on, it's an edgy mix of turntable, old school hip-hop beats and incisive rhymes.

The YMD are said to have been influenced by the hardcore and punk of their youth, rapping over it. This is totally true and transpires in their debut. However, you can't help but compare The YMD to the Beastie Boys, as they too have been putting out tracks that can be described as such.

Nonetheless, YMD members Distro and B. Awesome deliver manic, breathless, and hysterical rhymes during the whole record. More melodic bass line and less distorted vocals bring welcomed moments where the listener isn't hit directly by the raw sound. This contrast is a pleasant way of bridging sections throughout "Excuse Me, This Is The Yah Mos Def".

I really enjoyed listening through the album. Though I wasn't surprised by what any tracks had to offer, there is nothing wrong about them.

Built on samples from a laundry list of bands that includes Bikini Kill, Minor Threat, Shipping News and Cap'n Jazz, this album is a good debut I find is worth your time.

~ Fake - February 12th 2008