Remember why you really liked hip-hop? The vibes, the angles, the rhymes, the humour, the beats? Toronto’s own beat producer Marco Polo certainly remembers. Having transplanted himself to New York City in 2002, Polo has spent four years crafting “Port Authority”, his debut long player, and his wish to create a modern Pete Rock “Soul Survivors” might not be as fanciful as it seems. Polo’s production is chock full of ageless, super-clean samples, razor edged beats swirling with strings, chocolatey basslines, and sweet sweet soul, evoking that golden age haze almost effortlessly. Although a line-up that includes an endless cast of hip-hop super-heroes doesn’t harm much, either (watch for Masta Ace, Ed O.G, Kool G Rap, Large Professor, Sadat X, etc). But don’t dismiss this as a collection of singles or throwaway club raps – it’s anything but. This is big-hearted, confident, larger-than-life modern hip-hop, and it knows it – make room in your collection now.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Darren Wall
