Kanye West can suck a fat one, because there are a couple of new cats on the hip hop block and they rock.  They Spank Rock, to be precise.  The work of Baltimore mavericks XXXchange and MC Spank Rock, Yoyoyoyoyo contains some of the freshest sounds, most superfly rhythms and filthiest lines since Missy Elliot first showed the jiggy kids how to move.  Eschewing New York’s more sedate boom bip, in favour of the frenetic energy of Miami and Detroit-style electro bass, a few dinky melodies from a Casio keyboard, drums snaffled from the Sao Paolo favelas, the most crunking kicks and a clutch more killer samples, if Spank Rock doesn’t get you shaking your booty across the floor, then your funk must have been lobotomised.  These boys are so fly they’re buzzing all over the room.  Loved Outkast?  Tired of West’s banter?  Looking for the next level?  Then, look no further, my friends, because the elevator has just arrived and it’s going up.

Hobbes

(Published by The List, March 2006, and re-printed with their permission).