You can't keep a good man down. While enduring more than his share of chaotic motions and curious setbacks, courtesy of the corrupted music industry, the self-described Mic Meshiah has kept his pen to paper and mic firmly placed in hand while gaining infamy from the littered North Philly streets he roams to the coast of Cali to the fringes of Europe and beyond. Cult Status is a perfect title for the emcee who has in fact managed to garner a cult like following on the strength of his collaborations on other artist's projects. All good things come in time and 2004 proves to be the year of Chief Kamachi and the year that will see burgeoning numbers indoctrinated into the legions of Kamachi grow substantially.

The album's first single, The Best, produced by 215 wunderkind DJ Kwestion and blessed with the lyrics of Gang Starr legend Guru is already a familiar tune to the streets and has long since reached numero uno status on scores of Hip Hop singles charts, mix shows and college radio stations. The praise is well deserved. that said, there's no reason to sleep on the rest of Cult Status. On what could arguably take home the 2004 PhillyHipHop.com Song Of The Year award, State Property's S.Dot lays down a sweetly smooth mood setting groove as the foundation that Chief Kamachi layers with his trademark gruff yet introspective rhymes on the lyrically masterful The Man. I'll go out on a limb as claim this track to be not only the song of today but a sure shot all time Philly Hip Hop classic. High praise indeed but praise well deserved. That's two great songs on one album... but wait, there's more. With the enlistment of The High & Mighty's multi-talented Mighty Mi manning the board and the shooting star known as Reef The Lost Cauze lending his unbridled emcee stylings, Hip Hop's JuJu Warrior has yet another hit on his hands with the oozing street passions of #13. Chief Kamachi and Reef proove without reasonable doubt that they're two of the hardest men manning mics in the 215. Remeber, hard isn't measured by how much physical damage you've inflicted, hard is what it is when trying to traverse the altitudes of these Philly pride inspiring lyricists. Stew on that for a minute. But wait! There's more. Kamachi shines yet again with heart felt rhymes that only a true gifted gullititian can bring on home. That rare combo of intelligent yet ruff, rugged and raw poetry is at its core most responsible for the thick, comforting concoction put forth by the intersecting skillz of Kamachi's lyricism and E. Dan and DJ Huggy's relaxing forcefullness production on the simply titled Queen.

While we've visited but a few of the songs that make up Cult Status, the point has been made and ladies and gentleman, the defense rests. Rest some ends on your local record store's counter and add this album to your collection. PhillyHipHop.com certified. Peace.

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Review by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
August, 2004