Elements Aka UM Hip Hop Club Compound: When The Elements Combine CD

The University of Miami Hip Hop Club, which also goes by the name "The Elements," has released its compilation CD, "The Compound: When the Elements Combine. " The club has been announcing its presence more and more here on campus and their efforts have culminated with this album. There is no denying the talent of this group of young rhymers, each with their own hip hop alias, who are reminiscent of such skillful underground hip-hop groups like Jurassic 5 or Hieroglyphics. There is impressive and often strong production by group members Lenny "White Russian" Kagan, Adam "IL-Literate" Delanoy, and Sanga "From Uganda" Collins, on such songs as "Execution Style" and "Intravenous." The members are extremely savvy of what's going on in society and even around here on campus, rapping about a wide array of topics ranging from their skills and personal style to the importance of the college education to pop culture. It's even strangely exciting to hear references to Coral Gables and campus security. Skill and knowledge of pop culture is regarded on the catchy "Execution Style," when the recognizable Dark Skinned Marksman rhymes that "I bust a flow hard asGladiator's, I'm the lyrical Maximus." As with most mainstream rap albums today, which are populated with references tosex, violence, alcohol and drugs, and bragging about a rich lifestyle, these themes are touched upon as well, but the group does not really dwell on them in excess or support them like the majority of famous rappers out there. Instead, they stressoriginality in their lives and rhymes, over that kind of "bling-bling" lifestyle. "Save it for the brand new Benz, I ain't fallin for no trends. Got some brand new ice, well it sure looks nice. But I ain't going down that route, that just ain't what I'm about," is the hook on "Originality." Other songs are more playful, like "Come Out With Your Hands Up," where Juan the Profit's rhymes echo those of Eminem's rants and raves ("You're stank and you're broke and you just don't care, come out with your hands in the air"). "She Was aFreak" is another very funny and witty track, this one about the male's attractions in the opposite sex laid down over a frisky beat. My favorite track and the album's highlight is "Mixed Emotions." Gloria Merritt and Isis Rosario are very talented female wordsmiths who add dimension and perspective to this mostly male-dominated group with this track where they taketurns rhyming over a smooth, groovy beat with a piano-driven hook. The Elements are an eclectic yet gifted group of UM student artists with a flare for straightforward and relevant lyrics concerning life in college and in Miami. You'll also find yourself bobbing your head along to most tracks because as proclaimed on the inside of the CD, the legacy has begun.

Full performer name: The Elements Aka UM Hip Hop Club.