When Worlds Collide

Fort Wayne, Indiana's premier hip-hop collective, The Underground Coalition (here forward known as The UC), here offer up a record that reminds almost instantly of the now defunct Rawkus Records' classic Soundbombing 2 compilation. That record gathered the best from the it's times' underground hip-hop scene and somehow offered a playlist that was simultaneously diverse and cohesive. When Worlds Collide does the same thing. Blame Dj Polaris, who produced 16 of the albums 17 beats, for that success. 

The whole gang's here, joining Polaris are his Andromeda partner Brainstorm, Roc Vicious, Roleo, Barrage, 2RQ, Weather, Schizo, P.L. Lee, V.I.C., EDS, Muad'dib and even area powerhouse Fatima Washington. Featured on 11 of the record's tracks, rightfully so, is Brainstorm, others coming and going where they fit. Together, Brain and Polaris are not just two of the hardest working hip-hop artists in the area, but two of the most passionate about their art. They know the history and they know the current; what they make, however is something different. The sound here is both boom-bap and modern, an accomplishment not to overlook. An accomplishment you can credit to their longstanding devotion to hip-hop culture.

"Endyana" is sure to be a crowd pleaser, reminding me of the Can-I-Bus song "Get Retarded" with it's simple yet effective beat and raw vocals. It's one of those songs that had to be made - an anthem for a hip-hop state often overlooked due to it's proximity to Chicago, Detroit and Cincinnati. Make no mistake, hip-hop lives in Indiana, something When Worlds Collide documents - and promotes - very well.

Polaris' beat for "Poetry," featuring Barrage, Schizo, Roc Vicious, Roleo and Fatima on vocals, feels like an instant soul-meets-hip-hop classic. Like a number of Polaris' beats, it's simple yet perfect, no extra flash or gimmicks, just a solid beat - the type that never gets old. Schizo, one of my favorite area emcees, here reminds me of her natural ability and charisma. If you've not heard her solo record, Wednesday's Tomorrow, you'd do right by hunting down a copy before they're out of print.

The one beat produced by EDS, "Side Notes," is another classic, reminding how much I've missed the guy's positive and creative workaholic presence since he moved to Indianapolis a couple of years ago. Good to see him still working with his longtime Fort Wayne crew despite the distance. The beat brings something out in Polaris, EDS and Brainstorm, who here all give some of the best verses I've ever heard from them. Some of the best verses I've heard out of Indiana. Same goes for Brainstorm's verse on "One the Regular," which he produced himself.

Songs flow from one to another, not in the style of the modern mix tape trend, but like old school hip-hop albums - a more musical era for the genre. When Worlds Collide is a great listen that will surely be a record to top for all involved.  At 17 full-blown tracks featuring a huge number of diverse artists, it's a wonder how they made such a cohesive product. The beats. Gotta be the beats. Polaris' compositions are so good, so well produced. As long as he's making music you can bet there will be local emcees trying to sneak into his studio with their notebooks. And as long as The UC are making records, I'll be listening.

Written by G. William Locke