Los Angeles Duo People Under The Stairs Prep Fifth Album
Published: Wednesday - March 15, 2006
Words by Allen Starbury
People Under The Stairs (Photo: Basement Records)
Los Angeles underground duo, People Under The Stairs (PUTS), are back with their fifth album, entitled Stepfather.
The duo, formed by Mike Turner (Double K) and Chris Portugal (Thes One) in the late 90's, received heavy praise from their debut album, The Next Step, and formed a solid fanbase while on tour with De La Soul. Years later, with a slew of critically acclaimed releases, their growing fanbase has allowed the group to headline nationwide tours.
Known for serving up playful back-and-forth rhymes to vinyl-centric production, Thes One and Double K are now back with Stepfather -- an album the pair says reflects their love for classic music.
"People are really going to be surprised by this album," said Thes One, "We're flipping the script on this one, coming with an extremely progressive approach. We study a lot of music theory and classic material, and this album reflects that. Even when we did the old school tracks on the album, we still tried to push the envelope with vocal settings and drum patterns."
With the use of obscure vintage drum machines and running mic pre-amps to the point of intentional distortion, PUTS created a sonic kaleidoscope of textured and layered beats, which are complimented by their refreshingly cool narratives of the L.A. hip-hop life.
Also, with Stepfather, the group dives deep into their souls to give fans some of their most personal material to date. On "Days Like This," Double K reflects on a modest upbringing where his mother struggled to provide for the family, while Thes One offers a personal thanks to his father who labored as a fruit field worker so that his son may live a better life.
The same personal tone is felt on "Reflections," where Double K and Thes One lament in vivid detail their recognition of the moral vacuum that plagues today's society.
Stepfather features guest appearances from the legendary George Clinton, Monty Stark (Stark Reality), and Kat of Crown City Rockers. In addition, the CD will include a bonus documentary-style DVD with show footage and a short film.
Stepfather is slated for release April 18 Through RSM/ Basement Records.
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