Take It Or Squeeze It

by Jason BirchmeierOnce again, Take It or Squeeze It proves just how inventive the Beatnuts can get behind the production boards; the beats, samples, and found-sounds they employ result in some of their most colorful tracks to date. Unfortunately, their rhymes and songwriting don't quite measure up to their soundscapes. The guys often fall back on classic hip-hop clichés -- smoking, boasting, partying -- and while these sort of rhymes no doubt keep the energy level high and the vibes carefree, their playful, freewheeling attitude isn't a highlight in and of itself. Standout beats, standard rhymes.