With this release, hardcore is not only back, its front, side, middle and everywhere else in between. What are Gigsaw's chances of getting daytime radio airplay with this effort? About the same chances of C. Delores Tucker being inducted into the Philly Hip Hop Hall of Fame. The happy zombified followers of wack commercial radio don't have the frequency capabilities necessary to comprehend the Gigsaw vibe anyway.

For a crew that already paid its dues and is well respected in the streets, this album should serve as the bridge between relative obscurity and regional notoriety (at a minimum). Gigsaw is what a pit bull would sound like if it morphed into funk spittin' human form. The beats bang back about as hard as the dilapidated North Philly streets that gave birth to these brothers.

The journey begins with the urgent redundancy of Don't Be Scared. Gigsaw's trademark tight production is clearly evident from jump. Hardcore Iz Back is simply the shiznit y'all! A hyper-hyped track and equally energetic rhyme skillz will have you runnin' to the nearest dance floor. I picture Northside thugs cruising at about 10 MPH bumpin' this in the ride all summer long. I was also feelin' the gunshots incorporated into Gunshot. They work because they're used more as a percussive sidekick than for gratuitous purposes. The hook is catchy as long as you don't catch one in the process. Here is where Gigsaw demonstrates the cohesive verbal wordplay that they've mastered between each other. It's a lost art from the days of old that they rock with ease. What isn't easy is the thundering bass intro of Round For Round. This here is sure shot woofer killa. You have to hear it to understand it. An errie violin loop accompanies the boomin' bass and vocals to complete the successful trifecta. The ruff rawness maintains momentum all the way up to and past Hot Hollow Metal. A phat, accelerated BPM and rhymes spit from the heart combine for a typical Gigsaw affair.

There should be an oversized parental advisory warning on this one and it certainly isn't for everyone but those of y'all in search of dirty, grimy, gritty yet entertaining Hip Hop would do well to scoop up a copy of Hardcore Iz Back right now.

Reviewed by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com