"Much of Southernunderground sifts soberly through a cold world filled with shattered relationships, poverty, corruption, national tragedies, and rampant hypocrisy, which makes upbeat, goofy tracks like "Old School"–where the group ricochets giddily through time like a hip-hop Bill and Ted–all the more welcome. Forget the juvenile wordplay of Cunninlynguists' name and the generic title of its second album: Southernunderground is a masterfully produced, passionately delivered album that bursts with ideas, compassion, and soul-stirring beats."
--- Nathan Rabin - The Onion
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This album is a must have for any true hip hop fan. Dj Kno chooses to work the boards and decides to play the back when it comes to dropping verses, which is a good thing. When he does decide to spit a verse, it's refreshing, but with heavy hitters like Deacon and The SOS on your team, it's better to play the position you're most dangerous at, banging the boards. As far as Deacon and The SOS, they continuously spit heat and really know how to craft innovative songs around the beats. They labeled it southern underground, but that shits an understatement, it's universal underground hip hop at it's finest. Cop it."
Score: 4.5/5
--- Dusty Rhodes - H1pHop.com
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"Southerunderground is the kind of record that turns a commercial hip-hop fan into a conscious hip-hop head. I’ll take a cue from my man Lamar Burton, Don’t take my word, see for yourself."
Score: 8.9/10
--- Big R. - Hip-Hop-Reviewz.com
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CunninLynguists - Southernunderground [2003]CunninLynguists
Southernunderground [LP]
Original Release Date: [04.01.03]
[BUY NOW]

Immediately after the success of their debut album, Will Rap For Food, CunninLynguists added a new member in SOS to balance out the Emceeing duties on the record, in order for Kno to focus on production.w

The result was Southernunderground, an instant classic that was amazingly recorded in just under 2 weeks.

Upon its release, long-standing music mags such as SPIN Magazine gave Southernunderground a well deserved A- in their review, while The Source magazine featured them in their 'OFF THE RADAR' column. Feautured as one of URB Magazine's 'NEXT 100', nearly every reviewer, site and trade publication sung its praises.

Still, what was most impressive about this sophomore album wasn't the plethora of favorable reviews - but the incredible amount of artistic growth shown over their already excellent debut, WRFF. Southernunderground exemplified the utmost level of lyrical and musical sophistication possible on an album. Already sounding like seasoned veterans along side Masta Ace on the RJD2-produced leadoff 12" single, "Seasons (f/ Masta Ace)", SU served as a true testament to their staying power and capability.

Songs like the anthemic "The South," push your wig back while the tributary "Appreciation (f/ Cashmere The PRO)," melt in your mind and resonate with poignancy. From the genre-flipping, drum & bass tale of insanity that is "Falling Down," to the cathartic examination of a love slowy dying on "Rain," the CunninLynguists hit so many thematic angles it will leave your head spinning.

With Deacon & SOS allowed to focus on the MC duties, they freely tackle an incredibly diverse range of topics - from hip-hop history to modern politics. Left to his craft, Kno makes immeasurable imrpovements over his first production effort. With his motto: "My interludes will son your 12" beat," he set forth to cement his place among the elite crop of new producers. And succeed he did.

Southernunderground is a MUST-HAVE for any hip-hop fan, and is THE best hip-hop album of 2003 bar none.


:: Track Listing ::
01) Intro - Produced By Kno
02) Southernunderground - Produced By Domingo
03) The South - Produced By Kno
04) Love Ain't (feat. Tonedeff) - Produced By Kno
05) Rain - Produced By Kno
06) Doin Alright - Produced By Kno
07) Interlude 1 - Produced By Kno
08) Old School - Produced By Kno
09) Seasons (feat. Masta Ace) - Produced By RJD2
10) Nasty Filthy (feat. Supastition & Cashmere The PRO) - Produced By Kno
11) Falling Down - Produced By Kno
12) Sunrise / Sunset - Produced By Freshchest Prose
13) Interlude 2 - Produced By Kno
14) Appreciation [Remix] (feat. Cashmere The PRO) - Produced By Kno
15) Dying Nation - Produced By Kno
16) War - Produced By Kno

:: ECD CONTENT::
01) Flash Interface
02) VIDEO :: Kno's Production Commentary
03) VIDEO :: "Cant Help Myself" (LIVE) [2003]
04) VIDEO :: Randomizer
05) VIDEO :: "Thugged Out Since Cub Scouts" (LIVE) [2003]
06) Song LyricTranscripts
07) Group Biography

:: Credits ::
Written by: Deacon The Villain, S.O.S., & Kno
Producers: Kno, Domingo, RJD2, Freshchest Prose
Recorded at: Knomercy Studios (Atlanta, GA).
Cover Design: Tony Rojas for QN5-i.
Interactive Design: Tony Rojas for QN5-i.
© 2003 QN5 Music.

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©2004 QN5, INC.