I've got very little information about this new collective, which combines music collages and old-school pass-the-mic rapping. There are definite nods to A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. Like I said: Old school.

Clouds in a Headlock ASMATTIC Vol. 1 (Chinese Man Records)

But the music itself is less jazzy and more expansive. Clouds in a Headlock are just as adventurous in their beats as their rhymes. And yet, despite the experimental tack, none of these pieces ever lose their flow.

This is so far afield from where hip-hop is these days that I have no idea what the average fan will make of this. My boys would likely turn their heads sideways, nod along for a bit and then . . . I don't know. Commercial viability has never been my specialty, but I do know when a sound is out of its time.

Of course, this sound also happens to be right in my wheelhouse. I'm always happy to hear fluid raps and creative beats. I wish I could give more information on the group, but there's not a lot. That's just fine. The music speaks quite eloquently for itself.

*For the time being, you can download this mixtape for free at Chinese Man Records. Cheers!

Jon Worley