Project Move
Love Gone Wrong/The Butterfly Theory
Sun Moon Records; 2006

4stars

The remaining trio of Bostons seminal band of hip-hop brothers, Electric Company, released their first effort together as a streamlined unit with a less cool name, Project Move. Thankfully representing Beantown in locale alone and not in that unrighteous accent (do we really need to hear MC Matt Damon), the Movers bring survival to the forefront, whether its overcoming naysayers, the conditions of urban life or the devastating loss of loved ones. Like most old school purists, Project Move provides plenty of back in the day reflection, but with a surprisingly fresh take. With Love Gone Wrong/The Butterfly Theory, Project Move should have no problem etching its own distinct mark apart from its former collective.

The title track Butterfly Theory represents smoothed out hip-hop of ATCQ proportions. Not to be confused with Ashton Kutchers Butterfly Effect, Butterfly Theory actually makes you want to live. The theory in question proposes that a young man facing a bleak environment can emerge victorious despite his surroundings. Anger perfectly captures the frustrated perspective of constantly being held back by someone elses negativity, in this case a selfish girlfriend only looking for her man to spend his cash on her like a nigga dont got dreams of going to school.

A lot of the album follows the basic ingredients of I like girls or life is hard in the ghetto songs. These usual suspects dont get any extraordinary treatment, but are capably handled by Beyonder and Zazar on Make It Fresh and Beautiful Thing, respectively.

Love Gone Wrong only has a couple screws loose. One is that their love for shouting the groups name (constantly) is only exceeded by their love for women. This fondness is expressed on Hey Now, a great, relaxed song that shows love for natural, curvy chicks. However, all that feel good, pro-woman energy is extinguished on Yao Ming with the phrase, dress so fresh/impress the best bitch. Hmm. Hard to believe these are the same queens referenced earlier on the album, but enough of the Steinem stylee for now.

Ultimately, this album entertains on every level with all three emcees, Anonymous, Moe and Raheem, consistently delivering energy and sharp lyrics. Theres room to think, chill and escape without feeling like youre sitting through a warmed over version of the classics. On AM to PM, Moe puts the groups accomplishment best: It is the movement, brother. Get out of my way!

Candace L.