With so much watered down Hip Hop flooding our airwaves and televisions, it's refreshing to finally hear some pure tracks, and it's even better when they come out of your very own backyard. Thank West Philly's own Baby Blak (of Ill Advised) for shining the national spotlight on the 215. Blak's new 12" single, Blak Iz Back b/w Stand Clear featuring Crushall, on DJ Revolution's Millenia Records, breathes a breath of fresh air on the depressing state of commercialized garbage Hip Hop.

The A side, Blak Iz Back, finds Blak spitting his sick, signature braggadocios flow over a heavy DJ Revolution produced track. The song opens up with a cleverly pieced together intro by DJ Revolution followed into the beat with Rev's patented cuts. Rev's skillfully chopped "Blak Iz Back" cuts compliment Blak's flow perfectly. Make no mistake, Blak's clever wordplay has not lost a step, with catchy phrases like, "It be yo ass fault, ya ass fall, on the asphalt..." Damn!

Blak once again, on the B side, show's why his record is currently sold out at all major distributors and record stores. With help from fellow West Phil lyricist, Crushall, Blak drops another gem worthy of mixtapes worldwide, with Stand Clear. This track again finds DJ Revolution on the boards and cuts, while Blak and Cru lace the infectious beat with major league lyricism. Stand Clear, gives every hip hop fan in the City of Brotherly Love a reason to be proud of it's hometown talent.

This single is only the beginning of a blockbuster year to come for Baby Blak. As I mentioned previously, Blak Iz Back is currently sold out at most record stores and distributors. If you're lucky enough to come across a few copies, jump at the chance to bless your turntables with this classic. Look for Baby Blak to drop a 2-part LP this year ( which is already being touted as an "indie classic" by Hiphopsite.com), several appearances on Jazzy Jeff's new full length, Sat One's album, Prince Paul's new stuff and so much more. Philly, Blak is back, and he's here to stay!!!

Reviewed by Just
Contributing Writer- PhillyHipHop.com
February, 2002