Before OST, People Under the Stairs (Thes One and Double K) have been busy establishing themselves as one of the most consistent crews operating outta the Left Coast. Their two LPs to date, The Next Step and Question in the Form of an Answer have seen them pioneer a back-to-basics approach to rap music, which somehow also manages to feel progressive. OST continues this idiosyncratic and successful approach, bringing deftly constructed tracks overlaid with engaging rhymes and the duo's recognisable and accessible delivery. The pair are masters at digging up dusty old funk loops, which helps give their music an immediate, old-school feel, though their diversity here is impressive as insouciant head-nods such as "Keepin It Live" and "Acid Raindrops" merge with block party jams ("Hang Loose"), Jamaican reggae flavours (check the title track) and a few serious moments. It's ain't rocket science, but it sho' is funky.--Paul Sullivan
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