by Robert Gabriel
With three of the West Coast's most underrated emcees joining forces, Code Name: Scorpion represents a lyrical colloquium of the highest order. While Abstract Rude of the Los Angeles Project Blowed sect lends his traditional baritone insight and calculated delivery, Prevail of Swollen Members and Moka Only present nothing but fresh perspectives from their own locale of Vancouver, British Columbia. With the majority of the production duties handled by Rob the Viking, tracks such as "Jam Packed," "She's Always Right," and "Smokin in Here" express the synergistic effect of such a solid rhyming trio. Solo tracks by Abstract Rude, including "Stop Biting" and "Screwed on Tight," also excel in their efforts to be both dynamic and succinct at the same time. Yet the best song on the album may very well be "Pillow Fulla Scrilla," which features Moka Only getting completely unfastened from his own synthesized beat. Concocted by rebels who've been known for breaking the rules Code Name: Scorpion is a worthy album for those who appreciate a heap of honesty and a touch of quirkiness in rap.