With the release of their first collective full-length album, The Cleaners, Hobo Junction in no uncertain terms displays the difference between cheesy corporate hip-hop and reality rap. While many major-label emcees seem stuck on boasting about their newfound wealth, Saafir, Eyecue, Poke Martian, Bignous, Mahasin, Third Rail Vic, and the D.A. are more concerned with delivering gritty narratives born straight from the streets of their hometown Oakland. When Saafir informs listeners that, “I always utilize the stealth moves that I’m blessed with/So my spirit won’t be looking at the wound where the bullet exits,” the urgency of his words are even better felt than heard. Consistent with the urban-industrial orientation of their surroundings, the percussion-heavy production provided by Protest, J Groove, Bignous, C. Broady, and Poke Martian sounds as if it was created in a train yard. Indeed The Cleaners makes for a perfect example of hip-hop fit for warriors. – Robert Gabriel
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