The octagon of west coast rappers named the Living Legends return with The Gathering, a taste of what is to come with their upcoming full-length album to be released in late 2008.  This time around all of the underground MCs take part on each track on the disc covering topics from women to war.  The EP was released under Legendary Music

It’s been an ongoing process for years.  Living Legends was formed when crews of underground rappers dissolved and formed new crews who were more concerned about making music over making money.  The gathered group became the Living Legends in 1996 and insisted on staying independent from corporate record labels and in turn worked hard promoting their material all by themselves. 

With non-stop touring and a street smart music business plan the Living Legends proved that hard work does indeed pay off.  Each of the eight members in the group may have own projects going on, but they really keep it together while performing as the Living Legends.  While some may argue that they sound better apart, I myself enjoy them as a whole.    

Opening album titled track “The Gathering” starts off strong as all eight MCs jump in one at a time on the first of seven tracks.  Each member avoids standing out too much when flowing on the track making it an equal effort and an awesome song.  “This is eight of the dopest grown men with microphones you ever heard of in your life” is declared on this track and I could not agree more.

“She Wants Me” was fun to listen to with crazy rhymes and a great beat.  The darker “Pants On Fire” follows with shout outs to all the people who just cannot tell the truth including the government.  “War & Peace” continues the attack on the government with a negative look at war and a declaration that people on the streets need to make peace. 

Slowing down the EP was “Luva Changer” with mixed elements of hip hop and R&B.  “Samba” managed to have all of the rappers spitting out lyrics quickly and while managing to do so without stepping on one another.  “After Hours (Extended Euromix)” was my choice cut on this EP.  Mixing jazz sounds with hip hop is a perfect combination to my ears.  The ending freestyling on the track was amusing to listen to as well.   

When it comes to rap/hip-hop I am about as picky as what I listen to as a child is with what vegetables they like to eat.  I am more partial to well thought out beats and lyrics and I have to say that the Living Legends have offered what I like.  Where I have not heard much of their material before, I am now interested in checking out each of the previous Living Legends albums as well as each of the MC’s solo projects.    

If you find yourself sick of the rap songs constantly talking about exploiting women and riding in cars with rims that cost more than your college education then maybe you should check out Living Legends.  They do it for the love of music and not to make a quick buck and for that I respect them.  The Gathering is just an appetizer to their album coming out later this year and I am already hungry for it.