In Search of Stoney Jackson

A Los Angeles group currently comprising longtime underground dwellers Krondon, Phil Da Agony, and Mitchy Slick, Strong Arm Steady have been grinding away for many years now, putting out countless mixtapes while also dealing with various personnel changes (most notably the exit of Xzibit) and record label issues. On Stoney Jackson, they join forces with Stones Throw and resident Beat Konducta Madlib, who produces the album in its entirety. As usual, Madlib's beats are totally on target, overflowing with unpredictable drum change-ups, random vocal clips, and soul-drenched loops galore. Guest appearances come from a wide variety of L.A. wordsmiths, including Talib Kweli, Planet Asia, Roc C, Oh No, Sick Jacken, Evidence, and Roscoe, as well as Guilty Simpson and Phonte. Standouts include "Questions," "Get Started," and "Pressure."