People Under The Stairs: O.S.T.

People Under The Stairs emerge once more for their third, and arguably best, effort. O.S.T. is a study in crate-diggin’ and loop-building. Thes One and Double K use no keyboards in their production. They construct their tracks by uncovering dusty breaks, soul and jazz samples, and piecing them together with some scratching for good measure. Perhaps because of their loyalty to these original defining tenets of hip-hop, their music retains a classic, but fresh sound. Melodic basslines add energy to their carefully selected breaks, and are layered with a range of musical samples. Lyrically, the two tend toward story-telling rather than battle rapping. "The L.A. Story" describes their enduring love for their hometown despite the phony people and gang bangers. O.S.T. reveals a personal look inside their lives and exposes them for the hip-hop drinking, eating and breathing heads they are. PUTS excel in letting you in on their view on life and turn in an album that vibrates with the blood, sweat, tears and love they put into it. Tracks like "Acid Raindrops" encourage an introspective mood, as Thes One and Double K verbally lull you into relaxation, aided by a warm, melodic beat. O.S.T. is a celebration of vibrant and authentic hip-hop. The more you listen, the more you’ll like it.