Styles of Beyond. The name rightfully explains the likes of Ryu, Tak, and DJ Cheapshot. This crew out of the 818 area is slowly gaining the attention and respect of heads worldwide. Although "2000 Fold" was released to the underground in 1998, the commercial reissue has been available in stores only recently without a track and interlude due to clearance issues. The LP, while technically over a year old, is still being promoted when S.O.B. goes on tour.
The crew was initially formed when Ryan MaGinn (Ryu) and Takbir Bashir (Tak) were exchanging freestyles at Pierce (Community) College in between classes. Both were impressed with each other and decided to form a crew. The name "Styles of Beyond" came about between Tak and DJ Cheapshot, who recently graduated from UC Irvine. DJ Cheapshot is the producer for the crew. He himself has made moves as a host of "The Next Level, " a weekly hip hop show on 88.9 KUCI and as a mixer on Power 106's "Friday Night Flavas."
So what makes this crew different? Pop "2000 Fold" into the deck and you'll notice that they're not your typical hip hop crew. Every track is well thought out and executed with production from Cheapshot, DJ Rhettmatic of the Beat Junkies, Bilal Bashir, and Vin Skully. The beats are simple, yet able to get your head noddin'. While their styles are clearly well defined for each individual, their rhymes complement each other nicely to keep the flow going line for line. Moreover S.O.B. draws their topics from a broad range of areas. "Winnetka Exit" talks about their presence in the San Fernando Valley and their appearance on the Wake Up Show. "Easy Back It Up" is their jiggy track for the clubbers. They have an interesting story to tell about going to club. Other appearances by Click Tha Supah Latin and Divine Styler flow nicely into the LP.
While Styles of Beyond exhibits a fresh sound in the underground, and although this LP has been out for over a year, getting it to blow up commercially is a major problem. The sales of this LP, though it is available in larger record stores, are largely pushed by underground heads. Moreover, S.O.B.'s sound is simply too new and will certainly take a long time to grow on the heads. And since most of the hip pop heads are too caught up in mainstream artists, radio stations haven't been giving S.O.B. the rotation they deserve. Nevertheless, the LP is dope and is definitely $15 well spent.
Note: More recently Styles of Beyond has been able to sneak out a 12" called "Atomic Zen" between "The A-List" by Orange County's Emanon. Both singles are produced by Cheapshot.
-JP Almeda
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