Philadelphia doesn't do too badly in terms of hip hop stars; Jazzy Jeff, The Roots, Bahamadia and Jill Scott have all helped to put the place on the urban music map and make it a hotbed of musical talent.
The latest in this long line of Phillie talent is Jared Taylor, aka Grand Agent. Anyone who heard the Agent's debut solo tune, 'Mingling With Mayhem', will be aware of his uncanny ability to ride a rhythm and bust a rhyme, and you just know his skills have remained intact for this debut long player.
He starts as he means to go on with the bumper opening cut 'From The Gate'; his voice jumps right off the cut and it's impossible not to have your attention grabbed. 'King Me' follows and reveals a more subdued side of the MC - significantly, although it's quirky operatic backing vocals are the bomb, it's still obvious that as far as the rapper is concerned, it's all about the lyricism.
In fact, Agent's lyrics and delivery are strong enough to keep any listener enchanted throughout. His recent single 'Every Five Minutes' (and is another potent funk backed affair that takes no prisoners, produced by Kutmaster Kurt) is also present and correct,. 'New Mingling' cheekily re-works Diamond D, adding new lyrics but using ultra-similar delivery and music. 'Rap Niggas' (produced by and featuring AG) is a definite highlight with a
freestyle type of vibe in places.
Backed up elsewhere on the mic by the likes of Chops, Mr Cisum (from his mid 90's crew 'NAME'), Myxtique (on 'Grand Right Now') and on production by AG and Lord Finesse (on another stand out cut 'Know The Legend), this is a tight and highly enjoyable debut from another Phillie gem.
