While Philly's indomitable Hip Hop scene is in a prolonged, uncomfortable state of flux, hometown pride remains high, due in large part to SAT ONE's passionate After Midnight experience.

I refer to After Midnight as an experience because it is just that. Thank God we still have artists out there who know how to craft an album and not just a cut and paste collection of assorted parts. The whole damn thing is sonically pleasing, from the enveloping, candle lit Neo Soul that is Can't Believe to Bahamadia's signature syncopation blessin' the Intro to the jazzerific bounce Dave Ghetto works with on Do It Again . The standout track may well be the spine tinglin' funk of Damn Tuff . Sat does more than justice on his reworked, updated version of Tuff Crew's 80's classic My Part Of Town . Effin' with perfection is a tuff task but SAT, Ill Advised and Dice Raw pull it off without a hitch. The emceeing here Hall of Fame caliber…. Witness Baby Blak advising “Jamaica Estates, straight for your face, yes West Philly, stay in your place, erasin' your face, no gators or snakes, takin' your safe, yes West Philly…” If this song doesn't move you, you're officially dead. Speaking of dead, that's what usually what happens to rappers who make the mistake of battling Reef The Lost Cauze . Proof positive is provided via Mind Over Matter .

At a time when even longtime stalwarts are openly questioning the continued vitality and creativity of the sounds of the Illadelph, its heroes like SAT who reminds us why we fell in love with Philly Hip Hop in the first place. Don't sleep on After Midnight or you just might miss the best album of 2005.

djsat-one.com

Review by Funk Wizard Snow
Editor- PhillyHipHop.com
December, 2005