L.E.G.A.C.Y. - Suicide Music

North Carolina is not often looked at as a Mecca of Hip-hop, but unknown to most of the mainstream nation, the underground and independent scene breaths deep in Raleigh/Durham. Dark humored and powerful, rapper L.E.G.A.C.Y. is just one of the doors one could take down the Hall of Justus, codename for NC’s underdog collective The Justus League. On June 16th, the Legster dropped his sophomore effort, Suicide Music. The follow up to Project M.A.Y.H.E.M., a dark LP that borrowed heavily from cult classic, Fight Club, is more of the same you expect from Leg. That, of course, means more gritty beats, which are produced wholly by Away Team member, Khyrsis, and more dark lyrics. Unapologetic defines “Leggy McGee” as he declares if ‘M.A.Y.H.E.M. was too dark, you listen too lightly,’ during the album’s opener and he doesn’t break character at all during this 11-track endeavor.

The intro describes briefly how the album got it’s title, during which Leg says that HOJ founder Big Dho tells him he can’t break into mainstream because he makes Suicide Music. Immediately, the album kicks into 5th gear with the album’s title track. “Go for a ride, close your eyes,” is just one of the clever references made during the track relating to suicide. In fact, the song seems to be over far too soon which The Age (Fish) begins next. More political in it’s message, The Age deals more with tragic worldly issues. Congo drums and synths lace lyrics about the dangers of today’s society. Just as it starts to reach a fever pitch, the album’s biggest problem becomes apparent; many of the CD’s best tracks clock in at less than 3 minutes, barely giving the listener a chance to grasp the message in the music.

Bang, a title seemingly descriptive of Khrysis’ treatment of the instrumental portion of the track is a blueprint for every rapper’s “represent” track. The lyrics don’t impress as much here, but nonetheless make for wonderful rider music. Samples from the original Lethal Weapon makes for a good segue into 4 Cornered Room. Introspective and minimalist are the keywords here, as L.E.G.A.C.Y. reminisces on the uglier parts of his past and journey into the rap game. One of the few tracks that is timed perfectly, 4 Cornered Room is definitely a repeat play. Connector Man displays that there are still new ways to rhyme about the sale and purchase of drugs and women in this industry. Grunge influenced and movie-esque, Connector Man plays more the part of a skit with its emasculated length as it leads into TKO. Featuring appearances from HOJ mates Phonte, Chaundon and Sean Price, TKO is gem that stands out amongst an already great tracklist.

Policia, probably the albums most forgettable track, is still a step above the average radio-friendly tune. The lyrics allow an in-depth look into the oppressive nature of urban police presence, even if the hook is lacking majorly. A chorus sings eerily at the opening to The Greatest, questioning “Why wait? Kill yourself now.” Suicide Music closes with Fly So High and Looking Glass, which seem to fit together better as one song than separate entities. Suicide Music is the perfect example of how to make a proper sleeper album. The short track format works like a double edged sword, not giving listeners enough time to engage in each song before it’s over, but allowing for major replay power. While it will go mostly unnoticed by major music listeners, those in the know have an ill summer album on hand with L.E.G.A.C.Y.’s Suicide Music.

9/10