Originally released for Record Store Day 2013! Heads know whats up. Black Milk has been holding it down for hip-hop for a minute now. The versatile Detroit-based producer has worked with everyone from Pharaohe Monch, KRS-One, and the Genius/GZA, to fellow Detroit artists Danny Brown, Slum Village, and the man himself, J Dilla. An already impressive resume, and now with Synth Or Soul, Black Milk finally comes through with his first solo beats LP. As the name suggests, the album is split into two style - the heavy synth-based, Moog module nerdus aesthetic, and the classic soul samplin' variety. Either way, Black Milk rocks it HARD with only the toughest drum chops everytime. Check the steez on "Higgs Boson," "Why Worry," and "Heavens Cry" and you'll definitely be clicking the rest for more. 12 tracks in all with download card included. Recommended.

• music label: Computer Ugly 2013

åÊreviewed by Von Bee 08/2013