August 12-18, 2004

music

Blood in the Tracks

Photo By: Michael T. Regan

Philly MCs Outerspace put family first.

by Deesha Dyer

You could say it was written in the stars that Planetary and Crypt the War Child were destined to team up and make music. Their parents were friends, and the two grew up together in East Oak Lane.

The proud Puerto Rican MCs, who go by the name Outerspace, have built their relationship on family ties and trust in each other. Ten years in the making, their debut album Blood and Ashes, released late last month, is proof of their solid foundation. "The title of the album is self-explanatory. We are brothers. Blood is what bonds us, even in death," says Crypt.

"Our families have always been tight," he continues. As kids the duo discovered hip-hop through graffiti writing and cassette swapping. "One day someone suggested that we form a group because we both rhymed, and next thing you know, we a group," he laughs. Outerspace began writing and performing, but it wasn't until later that music became a priority.

"I met Vinnie from Jedi Mind Tricks, at Footwork Illadelph in the late '90s. We began chillin' and it clicked from there. He taught us how to do it professionally," reminisces Planet. "Now we're all family."

When JMT inked a deal with Babygrande Records, their loyalty to Outerspace stayed true. Chuck Wilson, who also co-wrote the movie Soul Plane, started the independent label in 2001. "Babygrande isn't here to rebel against the music industry. We make up the part that is underrepresented," Wilson

says. His label currently houses the acts Brand Nubian, Jean Grae, 7L & Estoric and now Outerspace.

"I had faith in Vinnie. Outerspace was a project that he brought to the label." says Wilson. "I appreciate their hardworking attitude and ability to combine the Latino, scientifical and street perspective. It's evolved into a good relationship. We're all on the same page."

For Planet and Crypt, the contract let them do what they do best — make noise together. They quickly started recording, pushed out a single, "151," in 2003, and went on a national tour with some labelmates and fierce MC Last Emperor. "When we got back, the material that we did before we left seemed old. We liked it, but wanted fresh stuff." says Planet. The unheard pre-tour tracks were released in May on Jedi Mind Tricks presents Outerspace, which also included archived singles. They quickly got back in the studio to make Blood and Ashes.

"Right now, I don't know how serious this is," admits Crypt. "The album is a defining moment for us." With heartfelt bars — "I wouldn't even know how to live my life, without my kid, my wiz, my crib, my ice, without a chance to uplift and spit precise," raps Crypt on "Fire and Ice," — Outerspace is using Blood and Ashes to challenge their hardcore, street reputation. The guest stars range from Crypt's brother King Syze on "Gods and Generals," to underground intellectual MC Immortal Technique rhyming on "Angels of Death." Brand Nubian frontman Sadat X delivers a verse on the lead single, "Top Shelf," produced by Shuko from Germany. Philly's own DJ Sat-One, who first hooked up with Outerspace on the smash "Danger Zone" in 2001, also contributed a beat. "When we recorded "Cutthroat' with Sat, we knew this was official." says Planet. "Philly has always shown us love, and hopefully that'll continue with the album."

The hustle reflects the hunger. Their grueling schedule consists of going to work, trekking to the studio and, for Planet, stumbling to a part-time job on top of that. All in between being fathers and husbands. "I have a family to feed and bills to pay," he says.

"I save everything we do to show my son, so I can tell him to keep going to school!" jokes Crypt. "If I can further my career in hip-hop, I will. But, I'm not going to be 30 worrying about rockin' an open mic."

Fri., Aug. 13, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $10, with Poynt Blanc, LDorado, King Syze, Five Spot, 5 S. Bank St., 215-574-0070, www.q-demented.com.