A Michigan crew known mostly for their affiliation with fabled underground duo Binary Star, Athletic Mic League are still fairly obscure, but have developed a seriously devoted fanbase since they first emerged back in the late ‘90s. Seven members deep (14KT, Buff1, Grand Champ, Texture, DJ Haircut, Tres Styles, and Vital), they've dropped several quality singles and full-lengths, most notably 2001's excellent The Thrill Is Gone. Originally released in 2004, Jungle Gym Jungle is pretty much your standard-issue subterranean hip-hop, loaded with sample-based production, imaginative drums, and no shortage of deft wordplay. With an energetic delivery somewhat reminiscent of Heiro, or even extinct NYC group the Arsonists, the Ann Arbor MCs bounce off each other effortlessly, serving up standouts like "Take 'Em High," "Ru???," and "Promised Land."