Masters of the Universe

Masters of the Universe

Originally released as Waterworld in 1999, Binary Star's debut album is a beloved underground classic that continues to win praise from hip-hop connoisseurs around the world. Coming out of Michigan, Binary Star shine like a supernova, thanks to intricate wordplay from MCs Senim Silla and One Man Army, supported by alternately hype and mellow production from in-house beatmakers the Trackezoids and D-Compoze. The bass-propelled, KRS-sampling "New Hip Hop" is a great example of infinitely quotable bravado, "Indy 500" plays like a manifesto for independent artists uninterested in watering down their style while begging for a record deal, and "Evolution of Man" fuses slinky guitars and chunky low-end with sultry spoken word and heartfelt romance raps. Also crucial is the triumphant, aptly-named "Conquistadors" and two-part incarceration blues of "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings." Though One Man Army has since dropped a few solid solo albums, there has never been a true follow-up to this, (though it was reissued in 2006), which only furthers its legendary status.

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