In the rap world circa the early 21st century, it’s quite apparent that most of the genre’s chart-topping artists are often too serious for their own good. In fact, many completely overlook the fact that early notable rap acts weren’t afraid to have some good old-fashioned fun. But there are some exceptions to these modern day hip-hop rules, such as the Seattle trio the Saturday Knights. As evidenced by their 2008 full-length debut, Mingle, the group looks to outside the rap community to help create a unique spin on all the rhymin’ and jivin’ — the Muscle Shoals Horns, the Dap-Kings (who appeared on Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black), Jack Endino, and even Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil all drop by. Just give a listen to such standouts as “45,” “Dog Park,” “I Go,” and the part hip-hop/part garage rocker “The Gospel,” and you’ll find that the Saturday Knights have created one of the top party albums of 2008. Mingle offers a much needed alternative to all the “tough guy” hip-hop that seems to have become the standard. – Greg Prato