By Odeisel

Chicago stands as a tale of two cities; the shining steel and glass skyscrapers of Metropolis set against the grimy concrete of Gotham where crime and chaos run amok. Chicago Hip-Hop has many elements but so far the filter only allows the light of consciousness to have its say and the only sustainable luminaries are Common, Lupe and Kanye. The darker end of the spectrum is underrepresented and the streets are clamoring for their voice to be heard. Stepping into that shadow are the LEP, whose authenticity is both bone chilling and worrisome. Member Count gives you the graduate level course in the jux with the “10 Take Down Commandments,” a simmering sinister symposium that will make you keep your eyes open and put your wallet in your front pocket.

Slow, grimy drums lead the beat with low-level haunting chants and riotous cheers resting in the back ground. The heavy breathing of a hunted man, the tin sound of shells hitting the ground pop up throughout the composition while minimalist piano and string elements top off the mood music.

Count has that low, deep Rakim disposition in cadence if not delivery. With added gruff he interpolates Biggie’s classic “10 Crack Commandments” on the intro to pay homage and give frame of reference. His narrative is deliberate and visceral, allowing you to get a picture of what he’s talking about. You frown your face and imagine yourself with gun in hand and beads of sweat running down your ski-masked face; heart pounding as you stand in seclusion ready to pounce. Primal ugliness wrapped in a scientific approach to picking apart habits and observations of prey. Sticking up drug dealers is hard work but Count has it down slick.

“10 Take Down Commandments” is mask, gloves, duct tape and cold steel rolled into one. There are no verbal gymnastics, just frighteningly real rhymes over similarly eerie music. If you’re on those corners getting it, beware. Count just gave the whole world a lesson on how to drop your ass. School is out in Gotham.

Count (L.E.P.) “10 Take Down Commandments”

Count (LEP)-10 Take Down Commandments

[pro-player width=’425′ height=’344′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NHXTU_-Tgs[/pro-player]

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