“Professor @ Large” by Large Professor

Hip-Hop legend Large Professor recently released his newest album, Professor @ Large. This album is his newest since his 2009′s The LP. Also known as Large Pro or Xtra P, Large Professor is a New York hip-hop record producer and MC. He also helped founded the influential underground hip-hop group Main Source, which helped propel frequent collaborator and Queens-legend Nas in to main stream music. The album features Xtra P classic fundamental drums style and an aggressive delivery that brings the nostalgic sound that Xtra P is known for. The nostalgic sound of the album gives the feeling that it was crafted in the 1990s.

That nostalgic feeling can be sensed by the breaks on the bboy styled opener “Key to the City”; also “Focused Up” featuring Tragedy Khadafi and Cormega brings the feeling as if it was left off an early 1990s mixtape. Professor @ Large supports an impressive cast of MCs such Cormega, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, and Saigon. However, the most impressive is Busta Rhymes appearance on “Straight From The Golden” which helps bridge the gap between the golden age style of hip-hop and the post new millennium hip-hop style.

Even though Xtra P brings his classic sound, the outdated references in his rhymes become frustrating. Large Pro’s unfortunate combination of old school and new school was a tough task. Johnny Storm/”Flame on…” references, for example, are way past their prime. Other lines like “My life is high profile like Meki Phife…” might’ve been a hot line in 2002 when 8 Mile first dropped, but now modern lyrics are way past that point in time.

Although Professor @ Large has its shortcomings like any other album, Large Professor’s latest project is still an enjoyable 49 minutes. It’s definitely has an undeniable summertime appeal and revels Large Professor still has the hip-hop blueprint that he helped design.

By Mike J.