People Under The Stairs 'Stepfather' album

Fresh for 2006, Tres Records proudly introduces hip-hop children across the globe to their new Stepfather; another musical journey produced, arranged, written, and scratched by People Under The Stairs. This 5th CD/2xLP release from legendary Los Angeles duo Thes One and Double K is yet another step up for the two-man crew that stormed the global hip-hop scene almost a decade ago in 1998. Respected worldwide by everyone from the local DJ to icons like Biz Markie and Jazzy Jeff, Stepfather is another reminder of why Thes and Double are the most diligent students and teachers hip-hop has to offer.

There are certain things that you come to expect from P.U.T.S.: left-field samples, hard drums, brilliant scratches, clever rhymes, and endless inside jokes, and in that, Stepfather delivers on all accounts. But those who have followed P.U.T.S. over the course of their career know that there are always surprises and innovations, and Stepfather exceeds all expectations. From the grand, sweeping transition of the “Intro” into “Step In”, to the P-Funk inspired outro of “Flex Off”, Thes and K show an incredible musical range. The psyched-out, semi-Dixieland funk of “Pumpin” and the minimal use of a snare on “The Brownout” also display how P.U.T.S. are leaps ahead of the curve when it comes to crafting left field, funk driven tracks. Though the experimentation reaches far into the unknown, it is never too far from the familiar, nor is it ever contrived or done for its own sake. Regardless, it somehow manages to remain within the realm of classic hip-hop.

Of course the lead 12” “Tuxedo Rap” will fill dance floors across the world, but the most inspired tracks come in the form of introspective outings such as “Days Like This”, “More Than You Know”, “You”, and the reggae influenced “Reflections” (featuring “O.S.T.” collaborator, Odell). With over 70 minutes of music, Stepfather also includes boisterous jams (“Pass The 40”, “Crown Ones”), the P.U.T.S. guide to L.A. restaurants (“Eat Street”) and L.A. Hip-Hop (“LA9X”), and the George Clinton meets Double K freak out (“The Doctor and the Kidd”).

Though a lot has changed for Thes One and Double K since the last time People Under The Stairs released an album, it appears that the most important things have stayed the same. Stepfather is a testament to P.U.T.S. and their commitment to honoring and protecting the roots of Hip-Hop music while pushing its limits.

Biography

Los Angeles residents Michael Turner (Double K) and Christopher Portugal (Thes One) came together as People Under The Stairs in the mid-1990s , through a common love of record digging, making beats and the classic hip hop sound of The Beatnuts and Freestyle Fellowship.

Thes One and Double K worked together making music and soon had a completed debut in the shape of 'The Next Step'. Released in 1998 the album was an unexpected success, especially in the UK, securing the duo a record deal and several overseas tours.

After performing across the globe, Thes One and Double K returned to the studio and came out with another classic 'Question in the Form of an Answer' in 2000. By this time their jazz, funk, rock and soul inspired albums, infamous vinyl collections and energetic live shows had gained them acclaim all over the world, from America and Europe to Australia and Japan.

In 2002 they released O.S.T. - confirming their position as masters of the art in the hip hop scene. An EP '...Or Stay Tuned' quickly followed the year after.

Four years since their last full-length release, People Under The Stairs have finally returned with another breath of fresh air in full drum-banging, chorus-shouting, feel-good musical form with their long awaited album 'Stepfather'.

"People are really going to be surprised by this album," says Thes One, "We're flipping the script on this one, coming with an extremely progressive approach. We study a lot of music theory and classic material, and this album reflects that."

Once again setting the standard for the rest of hip hop to follow, Double K and Thes One have created their most impressive album to date; released 18th April 2006 on CD (with DVD and poster) and vinyl, be sure to pick it up.

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Tracklisting

People Under The Stairs - Stepfather