The Risk Takers

iTunes Review

Both well-established emcees and producers in their own right, Count Bass D and Insight are among the underground's most consistently impressive artists. Based in Atlanta (previously Nashville) and Boston respectively, both have deep discographies and have never succumbed to the usual indie-rap clichés. They prefer to do their own things, regardless of what sounds are hot at the time. The Risk Takers is their first collaborative project but hopefully not their last. Their disparate rhyme styles (Count with the mellow flow and Insight bringing the fast-rap attack) work perfectly together, while the beats are a ferocious mix of dusty samples, rambunctious drums, and rubbery bass lines. Guest features come from fan favorites Kool Keith ("Leverage of Combat") and Pacewon ("Be Rocking It"), but for the most part, it's all about Count and Insight, who deliver one of the year's most thoroughly dope collabo albums. Don't miss "In Charge," "Seize the Moment," and "Second Ambush."