Independent Hip-Hop label Definitive Jux has made a name for itself in recent years for its often abstract, stark, quasi-intellectual take on the genre.  Popular label acts such asAesop Rock and Murs have achieved a great deal of underground popularity with this sound, which has found significant cross-over appeal in the indie scene.  For better or worse, the aesthetic of many of the labels acts has become well known and somewhat expected of newer groups associated with Def jux.  Hangar 18, a lesser-known group from the label, succeeds in crafting a sound that is largely distinct from their cohorts here on their 2nd album, “Sweep The Leg.”

Made up of rappers Alaska and Windnbreeze, as well as producer DJ paWL, Hangar 18 creates Hip-Hop that embraces the hard-hitting, synthesized beats more common to “mainstream” rap while maintaining the varied subject matter and intricate word play of their peers.  “Sweep The Leg” utilizes production that embraces the retro, synthy “electro” aesthetic that has become popular recently with radio Hip-Hop. However, the sound is stark and minimal, like the black sheep cousin of a bouncier, pop family member. Hooks aren’t absent here though, as can be seen in danceable, 808-inspired “Really Wide.”  In fact, most of the albums tracks are at least quite groovy, and many indeed arestraight-up danceable.  Lyrically, the group fluctuates between irreverent party rhymes and more intimate, personal tales, as can be seen on “Sad.”  

However, Hangar 18 never gets mired in sentimentality or the “emo” tendencies that have plagued other Def Juxers, to be unnamed here.  Whatever they’re rapping about, these guys keep their rhymes sharp, clear and fresh, addressing a range of topics without being pigeonholed.  A few more years may do this crew good, as their sound is solid and enjoyable, yet it hasn’t quite matured into something unique and instantly recognizable as Hangar 18.  Solid effort throughout, though; H18 gives us reason to watch for what they do next time around, while we enjoy their promising new album.  
Grade: B

Reviewed by: Nick Handman