Pugslee Atomz: Goes Driving

PugsBeing figured as an integral part of any cities rap scene – it’s DNA, perhaps – while still showing up at performances simply as a fan speaks volumes about an emcee. Chicago hip hop isn’t the most well known in the country, maybe there’s reason for that – it might be Common’s tight pants and vests at this point. But maybe not. Pugslee Atomz, though, helped found the Nacrobats crew, which in its heyday included rappers, breakers, graf writers and deejays. And during sporadic crew performances it could have been considered the physical embodiment of hip hop. Pugs hasn’t had a break out album a solo act or the member of various groups as of yet, but with the recent release of yet another full length – Rooftop - it should be on the way soon. The refreshing thing about his gentlemen, though, is the fact that it seems as if he’d be alright he if was able to stay in his city and make it instead of taking over the world.

Performing since the early ‘90s any Midwest town has been visited at least a few times by Pugs – who he shouts at specifically during the Road 2 the Top. His focus may have shifted over time, but that doesn’t mean his ability or desire to record new music has subsided. But in the time that he spends away from the recording studio, Pugs puts in work at a radio station, 88.5 WHPK, giving his city a few minutes of what it so desperately needs, some Wednesday night raps.

Anticipating that new disc, though, Pugs saw fit to drop off a mix tape a few weeks back. And while it took me a minute to get around to listening, it’s pretty much everything that one would expect. It isn’t overwhelmingly new or forward looking, but it is unquestionably beyond most of the work getting passed off as the next big thing in rap. It’s rooted and understands the past, while still being able to come off as a well comprised, slick production.

Road 2 the Top might have a weird cover, but it matches what the disc is supposed to relate. In an endless quest to achieve all that he wants, Pugs sees a certain pinnacle that’s within grasp. That racing stuff does seem kind of odd regardless. Anyway, the disc which was in part made available through the collaboration of 2dopeboyz and Fake Shore Drive, got mixed by the aptly named deejay Graffiti. Joined by a guest at every turn, the disc is comprised of a series of collaborations with some unknown folks, even as some of the Nacrobats dudes contribute.

In an odd, front loading move, though, Pugs places the most interesting beat at the beginning of the mix tape. The emcee uses the happy soul bounce of “Roof Top” to introduce the album, which quickly moves into a historicity and series of stories relating the character of the emcee. The mix won’t displace any classics, but clearly points to the talent of this untouted rapper.