If Janelle Monae decided to record a Hip-Hop cd and joined forces with Art-Official era De La Soul and added in a sprinkle of MF Doom, the outcome would be MLS (Major League Spittaz) and the album The Legendary Sharpshootaz. The group originally seemed to be following in the footsteps of Wu-Tang with it's multi-voiced trio utilizing snippets of film and samples that create an eerie backdrop behind Rza inspired production, it seemed natural to draw comparisons to an east coast group, but after listening there is flavor in their use of extensive hooks which have a musicality that only California natives are capable of producing. In short, while the pictures show a grimey edge with battle ready fatigues and artillery, the group is distinctly Cali, northern Cali, Sacramento. Which makes the group more interesting when you consider that Sacto is not considered as a frontrunner in the Bay Area. The Bay Area is personified by Thizz, Hyphy, E-40 and Keek da Sneak, sounds full of drugs, bravado and unique lingo. MLS however has approached a status that I consider closer to what Fashawn, out of Central Cali-Fresno, has captured. MLS at the core are a group of lyricists. Which brings me back to the Janelle Monae meets De La reference.
