Focused Daily

by Craig Robert SmithWith a day job as an Inglewood, CA high school teacher, and with a master's degree from Columbia University, Defari Herut (a.k.a. Duane Johnson) defines the term "hip-hop scholar." His straightforward rhyming style emphasizes positivity, and on "Never Lose Touch," he even gives thanks to his mother in the chorus. Although overly employing braggadocio tactics in dissing lesser rappers, his clever verses ("lyrics shine time after time, brighter than briquettes") on tunes like "Likwit Connection" make up for the shortfall.