Something Fresh/Mama Used to Say - Spooks, Carter, Regina
Swindley's Maracas - Spooks, Askew, Dan
B**** Blood - Spooks, Askew, Dan
Murder - Spooks, Dahrouge, Rick
These days, America's hip-hop purists long for a respite from the synth-based thug-rap currently enjoying airwave domination. Listeners who appreciate a less abrasive form of the music will find some salvation in S.I.O.S.O... more ».S., the debut release from the four-MC, one-vocalist East Coast collective known as Spooks. S.I.O.S.O.S. is notable for its live instrumentation (with a few judiciously jazzy samples to spice up the mix), but its standout feature is Ming-Xia's soaring vocals, which add a sultry counterpoint to the flamenco styling of "The Mission" and haunting emphasis to the bhangra-tinged "Safe House." The album's weakness lies in the remaining members' uninspired rhyme skills, which fail to match their vocalist's capabilities. Inevitably, Spooks will suffer comparisons to other organic hip-hop outfits, such as the lyrically superior Fugees or the trippier Morcheeba. Alongside these groups' best efforts, Spooks' S.I.O.S.O.S. is not classic material, but, as an antidote to today's commercial rap overdose, it is a solid first effort. --Rebecca Levine« less
These days, America's hip-hop purists long for a respite from the synth-based thug-rap currently enjoying airwave domination. Listeners who appreciate a less abrasive form of the music will find some salvation in S.I.O.S.O.S., the debut release from the four-MC, one-vocalist East Coast collective known as Spooks. S.I.O.S.O.S. is notable for its live instrumentation (with a few judiciously jazzy samples to spice up the mix), but its standout feature is Ming-Xia's soaring vocals, which add a sultry counterpoint to the flamenco styling of "The Mission" and haunting emphasis to the bhangra-tinged "Safe House." The album's weakness lies in the remaining members' uninspired rhyme skills, which fail to match their vocalist's capabilities. Inevitably, Spooks will suffer comparisons to other organic hip-hop outfits, such as the lyrically superior Fugees or the trippier Morcheeba. Alongside these groups' best efforts, Spooks' S.I.O.S.O.S. is not classic material, but, as an antidote to today's commercial rap overdose, it is a solid first effort. --Rebecca Levine
CD Reviews
A breath of fresh air
11/02/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this group open for Common and Jill Scott last week and I loved them so much I bought the CD at the show. I could say that they sound as good on CD as they do on stage, but the recording seemed to lack the energy of the stage show. The CD is pretty good nonetheless. It's different from the other stuff that's out there (If I had to describe their sound, I would say it's a lot like the Fugees meets Portishead with a little of the Roots thrown in), and the fact is, there are some amazing songs here, like "Sweet Revenge" (the best song on the CD by far) and "Things I've Seen". Some haters might dismiss them as Fugees wannabes (great singer, mediocre MC's) but the truth is they are a lot more interesting than that."
Amazing
07/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After the onslaught of Gansta Rap in the early to mid ninties, rap has had very little direction. The current title holders, DMX and Jay Z, certainly can sample an upbeat track and lay out enjoyable tune. It's rare, though, that a true lyricist will come out of the scene, and speak of more than "spending cheese," and listing off girls he's slept with. Mos Def and Outkast come to mind as the most insightful, intelligent and talented rappers on any label, and I'm happy to say that Spooks follow along in their tradition. The obvious standout track on this LP is the haunting "Things I've Seen," a song that, unlike most multi-rapper collaborations (Nelly's Country Grammer, to name one) follows along a single thought line and tells a cohesive story. Aside from a little self referential name dropping and egoism that plagues rape (track 2 starts out with them professing to go triple platinum based on their name alone), this is a quality record. I urge all of you to put down the Juvenile and Master P CDs and pick up an artist who deserves to be heard."
Spooks Are Definitely On Some Other Stuff
tmcopeland1 | B-More. MD | 02/22/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Spooks are not bad at all-if you like futuristic acid hip hop. Their music reminds me of Digable Planets or yes, Fugees. When I first heard "Sweet Revenge" on the radio, ("Tried to use me, apparently don't know who I be.") I knew I had to purchase this cd. Ming Xia brings a mixture of Jazz, R&B, & Soul to the group. I really think by 2002, Ming Xia will have an album of her own. I am without a doubt feeling her soulistic style. Spooks as an overall group bring a new age/futuristic feel to hip hop. The cd is good, if you can appreciate a different style. Soul Searching 4 Life,SoulCatcher"
They Don't Know...
iknohiphop | Los Angeles | 09/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Spooks is the greatest thing to come out in the hiphop scene since after 2000. It's too bad that they are only more known overseas in Europe. People have to come around to understand that The Spooks has such a unique sound that not only does it takes your mind to a different dimension, but it also catches "That" mood that you're feelin. People might dismiss BookaT, JD, Hypno, and WaterWater(RIP) as good rappers, because of Ming Xia's extraordinary vocal skills, but the fact is...I know good hiphop, and The Spooks are some of the greatest rappers to be overlooked. Especially Booka T, he is a sickass rapper with great flow, delivery, and voice. Everyone is at eachother's level and they make music that's an experience of a lifetime. Just check out Karma Hotel, Thing's I've Seen, Swindley's Maracas, B***h Blood...if ya not feelin it by now...then your just like the rest of them inwhich "They Don't Know""
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1