Cats & Dogs in Bloomington, MN

"Mr. Slow Flow" could just as well refer to himself as "Mr. Slow Release Schedule," but the follow-up to
Evidence
's 2008 effort,
The Weatherman LP
, is such a well-built slab of indie rap that a four-year wait seems well worth it. This isn't just a statement for fans either, as the stern anchor of
Dilated Peoples
and his "patented flow" can come off as somewhat "limited" in a solo setting, yet
Cats & Dogs
is persuasive, beating
Weatherman
on variety, accessibility, and sharpness in spite of its long track list. A well-chosen and fat guest list certainly helps, with names like
Aloe Blacc
,
Raekwon
Slug
, and
Prodigy
all living up to their lofty reputations, while
firmly remains the spotlight MC, making sure some of the indisputable standouts (the hard-hitting "I Don't Need Love," the dramatic manifesto "To Be Continued...") are solo cuts. Champion production is the final touch as
the Alchemist
DJ Premier
DJ Babu
head up this dream team, and for the fan club members craving clues and trivia, there's the story of how
earned his name (which involves
will.i.am
), plus a missing 13th track along with a clever explanation of why, if you listen close. Devotees might argue that the heavy
is superior, and they could make a good case, but for the newcomer,
is a much easier entry point. ~ David Jeffries