I'm a sucker for hip-hop collectives that play instruments. The Procussions were formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado after rival b-boy crews agreed to put negative history behind them and unite in musical pursuit. Originally a six-man unit in 1998, the Procussions now stand as a well-rounded trio of emcee/musicians: Stro the 89th Key [emcee, guitar, piano, trumpet, producer], Mr. J. Medeiros [emcee, drums, piano, producer], and Resonant [emcee, graphic/web design, and founder of globally syndicated radio show Basementalism]. Although now comprised of three members, the group's original DJ, Vajra appears numerous times on the album. Also appearing on the record is inactive member/emcee, 'Q.' As Iron Sharpens Iron is the group's first full-length album released on Basementalism Records - a label that was created specifically for the Procussions. An alternative to the hip-pop that is currently hypnotizing the masses, the Procussions supply a sound that's fresh with a very definite old school vibe. With a simple lyrical style that's conscious, not sermonic, the Procussions succeed in creating an album with purpose and fun. Their versatile sound is fueled by a musical gumbo that includes jazz, classic rock, punk, and most prominently, soul and funk. In terms of hip-hop, groups like Tribe, Digable Planets, Slum Village, Beastie Boys, and the Roots have served to influence them. And on an interesting side note, As Iron Sharpens Iron was recorded at LA Symphony's studio, yet another group inspiring the Procussions sound. Having played a number of instruments themselves on the record, the Procussions feel strongly about creating music that showcases this approach to hip-hop, as opposed to the traditional DJ/MC formula. With regards to the various slants on hip-hop music, the group acknowledged that what makes the genre so fascinating is that you can go from a DJ/MC format to a live instrument setting and still have hip-hop music. Most of the songs on As Iron Sharpens Iron are thoughtful and occasionally playful narratives backed by a mix of funked-out beats merging unique sounds with instrumentation. The rhymes aren't risky, but they're delivered well. Drums and piano are heavy throughout - not surprising given the etymology of the group's name. Some of the dopest points on the album are the freestyle drum solos that surface sporadically, most notably on 'Celebration.' Guitar charged tracks are also present, and not to be missed is the quintessential DJ - Vajra is responsible for some serious cutting and scratching here. The album is incredibly lively, and as a result it moves at a rapid pace. Even the less intensely driven songs carry. As Iron Sharpens Iron boasts eighteen solid tracks and it was over before I knew it. Now that means I was having a good time. Live and textured, the openers 'The Beginning' and 'Introducing?' set the tone for the album. The production appears effortless and there are no awkward transitions on As Iron Sharpens Iron. There really isn't a bad song on the disc. Not every song is outstanding, but how often is that really the case? What matters is the album is skillfully pieced together in a manner that really highlights the tracks that are outstanding. 'Lights Off,' 'Move Yer Self,' 'All That It Takes,' and 'Down to One' are the obvious attractions. The press sheet that accompanied the disc listed fifteen tracks, so I'm assuming 16-18 are nameless. It just so happens that number 16 is one of my favorite tracks, so for all intensive purposes I'll call it 'Kick Ass.' 'Kick Ass' has all of the elements required to make this song the jam - dramatic intro, driving guitars, emphatic drumming, catchy lyrics, sick scratching, and unconventional noises. Well done. The Procussions have also had success with the release of the 'Leave Her Alone' 12 inch, track number thirteen on the full-length. This one will really take you back with classic story-telling dropped over a mellow beat. And for inveterate soul and funk lovers, there are plenty of Rhodes based tracks providing a wide variation of sounds and grooves. The idea of fusing jazz and funk with rap is nothing new. Still, though they don't necessarily break new musical ground, they do manage to transport the listener back to a time when hip-hop was undeniably positive and ridiculously fun. Good moves. - Kristen Asklund