Hustlers Theme

AMG Review of Hustlers Theme

Robert Gabriel
All Music Guide

Russel "the Are" Gonzalez branches out from his K-Otix origins in order to present a compilation of his own enticing beats. With lyrical cameos by Truth Enola, Headcrack, J. Sands of Lone Catalysts, Count Bass D, and D-Ology to go along with contributions by Damien and Mic of K-Otix, Hustlers Theme proves that the Are has a little something in store for everyone. His emphasis on cinematic samples gives the album the feel of a sophisticated dinner theater presentation. While "Moving Target" with Headcrack and "Ransom Note" with Count Bass D approximate the scripts of classic gangster flicks, "No Way No How" with Truth Enola embraces the tension of a Rocky Balboa climax. Fighting just to live peacefully, Damien of K-Otix delivers a couplet of affirmations, titled "Hustle" and "A New Day," that are each drenched in determined optimism. As an album that casually realizes its own vision of compelling ap music, Hustlers Theme is nothing short of an underground blockbuster.