Stimulus Package is a collection of timeless soul samples, enthusiastic lyricism and abstract concepts ranging from copulation and the quest for more to chasing your dreams and witnessing their manifestation. A great example of the latter statement is the progressive track “I Remember When”. C.I.T.Y. Counsel opens the door to their past as they recall the trials and tribulations they encountered on their road to stardom. Each emcee presents their own perspective of the pitfalls and triumphs during their rise to underground glory. The song’s soulful samples blend harmoniously with the drum pattern’s catchy rim shot as The Counsel unleashes a barrage of solid complementary lyrics. I Remember When is one of those songs that will remind people of the era when Hip-Hop was genuine and will allow most to relive those moment over and over again.

Another hot track is the Billy Paul infused “Dollars Circulate”. The Counsel drops gems of knowledge in this tale of those who succumb to the power of the almighty dollar. The track boasts a surplus of comical punch lines to include Nytez B’s comparison of a young lady and one of DreamWorks’ most successful films by stating: “She glows like Leroy, Sho-Nuff no talking/She doesn’t rest room, has no time for stallin/Fell bad with a walk so mean/ Female Donkey and Shrek, she’s an ass for the green. Hilarious! That line only begins to scratch the surface, for this track is full of one-liners that will urge listeners to continuously press rewind. The driving kick/808 clap compliments the chopped and sequenced voice and string samples. The airtight production and clever libretto makes this track a well rounded composition.

In addition to the previously mentioned tracks, there are a numerous amount of songs that make Stimulus Package a must have underground album. The Percy Sledge inspired “Am I Wrong” is an ode to the tragic and triumphant moments that many experience with their significant other. “Cause Of” is a slow-flow, laid-back grove which is certain to make heads nod. Other notable songs are “Work it Out” and “The Sideshow”.

C.I.T.Y. Counsel’s debut LP/mix tape “Stimulus Package” is a diverse compilation filled with an assortment of abstract thoughts, witty lines, catchy hooks and commanding instrumentals. This is a solid LP with only a few rough spots. In these tough economic times, this is one Stimulus Package that is certain to have a positive effect.

Skye P