Gutter Water

Genres: Hip Hop/Rap, Rap, Released: Nov 22, 2010 2010 Decon One of the dopest producers working today, Soul Assassins representative Alchemist is no stranger to fans of menacing and complex beat work, thanks to his joints with everyone from Mobb Deep and Capone-N-Noreaga to Snoop Dogg and Dilated Peoples. Oh No is a longtime underground favorite, a fixture at Stones Throw Records who has worked extensively with Madlib, Peanut Butter Wolf, M.E.D., and the rest of the clique. On Gutter Water, they join forces as Gangrene, dropping 15 tracks that are deliciously grimy, a little bit abstract, and all the way live. The eerie "Standing In the Shadows" touches on domestic violence, "Not Leaving" is a tribute to all fallen soldiers, set to an exceptional chopped piano line, while the creatively titled "Take Drugs" sheds light onto the narcotics trade, alongside one of the punchiest snare hits heard in ages. Though known more for his beats, Al proves that he can get busy on the mic as well, and both of them sound good together, as a duo or alongside guests like Guilty Simpson, Raekwon, Twin Gambino, Evidence, and many more.