The Beatnuts - Milk Me

Everyone’s favourite crate diggers are back. After a lukewarm response to their last “Originators” full length, the duo of Psycho Les and JuJu have returned with their usual brand of tongue-in-cheek sexual humor on “Milk Me” which promises to tittilate as much for the quality of the beats as for the cowjuice-splashed model adorning the front cover.

For those who are unaware, Les and Ju are responsible not only for some damn fine beats but also for some crazy drunken and blunted antics which are often related over those damn fine beats. With no hint of airs of graces, the duo come off less like two of NY’s most respected beatmakers and rhymers, and more like your drunken mate in the pub who is forever regaling you with tales of his bedroom escapades.

Shifting from Loud Records after its collapse to the smaller indie Penalty Recordings has certainly allowed the ‘Nuts even more creative freedom, but has come at a cost. The budget for the last album was smaller in terms of ads and promotion, and coupled with the fact that it was decidedly patchy, meant that it quickly faded out of view. Regrouping, the duo request another hearing on the entirely self-produced “Milk Me” which boasts guest appearances from unofficial 3rd Beatnut Greg Nice, Rahzel, Akon, Freeway and AG amongst others.

‘Hot’ kicks things with Greg N-I-C-E garbling a simple chorus over as dark a horn loop as you’ll hear this year. Its when the ‘Nuts do simple shit like this that they’re at their best - the loop is simple but effective, the chorus is simple but effective, and Ju and Les are simple but effective on the mic… in one breath almost chilling in their issuing of threats, the next leaving you doubled you over with their deadpan delivery of a cutting punchline.