Skinny Jeanz and a Mic (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

New Boyz are easily the most popular group to emerge from the Los Angeles-based jerking scene, but their fame is entirely deserved. They have an absolute understanding of their medium, and so far, no jerking group has been able to do more to expand the genre’s template. Obviously “You’re a Jerk” and “Dot Com” are unrepentantly simplistic, but therein lies their genius. At a time when hip-hop has become obsessed with bombast, Skinny Jeanz and a Mic brings rap back to basics. The tricky programming of “So Dope,” “Turnt” and “Colorz” echoes both the booming minimalism of early rap pioneers like Schoolly D, as well as the vertiginous thrills of Timbaland. “Bunz” even partakes in Miami Bass, a long overlooked genre that jerking is helping to revive. It all comes together on “Cricketz,” which is tough and hilarious, and quite possibly the best song the Neptunes never made. Just when it seems like hip-hop might collapse under the weight of its own self-importance, Ben J and Legacy bring back fun and youthfulness.