For the uninitiated, the name Black Lung is these brothers paying homage to their ancestors who worked the coal regions of Northeastern Pennsylvania and suffered from a condition know as Black Lung. Continued exposure and inhalation of coal literally led to lungs that were black on the inside but these workers were immigrants without many options at a time when coal was black gold being shipped down the rivers to Philadelphia.

It's a fitting name for this crew that consistently puts in a hard day's work with a blue collar attitude, helping to keep them grounded and free of the blingism that's corrupted the culture. On Few & Far Between, Dor, Manny, Jaeon and Tommy Mula simply craft a solid Hip Hop album made by those who not only respect the culture, but have the talent needed to make a meaningful contribution. Aight, enough intro- on to the music. The album's thirty nine second intro is phat and sets the tone like veterans know how to do. As for the best chance at radio play lays within the ultra catchy, not to hard but not too soft sounds of Free. With a bouncin' beat, crisply delivered and intricate lyrics and a hook that you catch on to right away, there's no reason that this cut shouldn't be getting spins in many places. It's appropriate for college and commercial radio and segments of the mixtape market. The same exact description applies to All 4 One. This song put a smile on my face. Any song that says "Black Lung drop phat sh!t, like Anna Nicole Smith, that's one big b!tch gets the nod from me. Understand they can flip it straight beat and a mic raw as evidenced by the head noddin' ode Ferocious. Few & Far Between turns out to be much more than a two trick pony. Notable bangers include Don't Be Afraid (the personal favorite of PhillyHipHop.com's Just) and the mixtape funky flow of Lovely. Lemme' just leave it at that and tease y'all with the knowledge that the song is lovely. Ditto for Guilt Trip and 40 Nights. Come to think of it, 40 Nights might be the strongest song on the album. I honestly can't make up my mind y'all.

I feel obligated to take a brief detour to give props to the professionalism of the entire project, from the tight production to the magnificent mixdown to the pro look and feel of the CD itself to the Blue Angels like precision Black Lung employ. These are professionals in every aspect of the word, a true class act.

I could go on and on but by now there should be no doubt that Funk Wizard Snow is a Black Lung Brothers fan. I'm confident that many of y'all will be too.

Listen to snippets of Few & Far Between right here

boomspot.com

Are you feelin' "Few & Far Between" or not?
Vote in our online poll right here

Reviewed by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
March, 2003