Rukus – “Amnesia”
Rukus – “The Boom and The Bap”

If you have the nerve to call yourself Rukus, you better drag along some iron balls to back up your name. The term “rukus” or its correct usage “raucous” connotes more than its dictionary meaning (”boisterous and disorderly”). To hip-hop purists, the name calls to mind one of the best songs ever, “Bring da Ruckus.” And disciples of grassroots hip-hop can’t hear the word without thinking of the groundbreaking Rawkus Records. Yup, the same Rawkus that was kind enough to add me to its family of online tastemakers almost exactly a year ago. I’m not sure which of these hip-hop staples inspired Ruk’s stage moniker, but one thing’s undisputable: he wears it well.

The verdict on Rukus’ Can’t Forget LP after the gap.

Ruk’s sophomore album, Can’t Forget, is like an ice-cold glass of water on a hot Houston day. His charm lies not in glorifying a lifestyle unattainable to many, but in celebrating his reality — no matter how understated.

At its core, Can’t Forget is a mesmerizing blend of reflection (”I Will Remember,” “Everyday”), skirt-watching (”Cool Out”), and southern pride (”Did You Ever Think”), with a hint of controlled braggadocio. “Ask Michael Moore, my flow is so Sicko. So off the Richter,” Rukus boasts on “I Wish.” Despite the album’s diversity, Rukus is at his sharpest when dishing a stinging indictment of governments that have left their less fortunate citizens behind.

Without a big label budget, Can’t Forget showcases brilliant production for the most part. Working from a home studio, Rukus’ team of unknown producers (Kid Konnect, Phreshtrax, Bigfoot) displays a keen ear for dense instrumentation and a knack for mashed samples. Everything from Fela’s “Victim of Life” to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech (Hey, when did Sarah McLachlan get here?) is part of the myriad ingredients that shape Can’t Forget’s mostly soulful palette.

It’s not an earth-shattering rap album by any measure. Some of the collaborations sound forced and none of these topics is exactly original. Still, there’s something refreshing about an MC who feels comfortable in his own skin.

Ultimately, Can’t Forget is about keeping one’s journey in focus while reaching for a desirable destination. Indeed, it’s a message that stays on your mind long after the last note has played.

On the Web
Rukus – Official Website
Rukus – Can’t Forget LP