Stik Figa - Whatcha Talkin Bout

At the beginning of his new record, Whatcha Talkin Bout, Booth newcomer Stik Figa makes his musical lineage clear, spitting, “I’m the best rapper alive/ Fugee rap hasn’t died.”  In comparing himself to the Grammy award-winning rap group, the Kansas emcee has positioned himself to step into some very, very big shoes, but the record offers plenty of evidence Stik isn’t simply blowing smoke.  The quirky, reggae-flavored beat contributed by Greg Enemy echoes the distinctive way in which the group incorporated Caribbean influences into their instrumentals, and while the emcee’s verses are more self-aggrandizing than socially conscious, I could hear just a bit of Pras Michel in his flow.  Whether or not you think the comparison holds water, Whatcha Talkin Bout is a cut that can be enjoyed on its own merits, and should build some anticipation for the spring ‘09 release of his Babylon EP.