In the words of Masta Ace, “I make rap music for hip-hop kids.” These days, if you can’t place an emcee into a category, like bling-bling or backpacker, no one knows what to do with him. Seems like you’re either pushing things forward or holding them back. No one is making hip-hop records for the fun of bragging about your skills to your boys on the block, or just hanging with your friends at a club.
Until now, that is. Check out Large Professor’s first album, 1st Class.

This record brings back the serious battle rap with no less than 10 tracks talking about how “large” the professor really is. Now, those of you in the game will recognize Extra P’s name from his many production credits. He’s created beats for such hip-hop classics as Don’t Sweat the Technique by Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth and Midnight Marauders by Tribe Called Quest. Many of the Professors top students return the favor on this strictly east coast flavored album.

While the Professors voice and lyrics are good, they are not amazing. However, when the teacher has a pupil the album really shines. The 2 stand out tracks are “Stay Chisel” featuring Nas, and “In the Sun” featuring Q-tip. I don’t know about you, but Nas has been putting it down lately. Between “Made You Look”, and his verse here, the battle for greatest living MC might not be over. On Tip’s track, he loses the jiggyness of his own solo jawn, instead talking some consciousness over a classic Tribe style jazz inflected beat. So while Large Professor’s 1st Class might not win any awards, or get 5 mics in those other magazines, if you’re a fan of good production, solid New York style battle raps, and some good guests, go cop this one for real.

Anthony Bovino