by SCOTT C

Like a lot of Montreal hip hop artists, the guys from Specifics try to balance time in the studio with regular live shows, and keep the prospect of a formal release right up front. With Vancouver transplants Think Twice on production, Goldenboy on the mic and MTL native DJ Goser on the turntables, Specifics have managed to pull off a fresh and focused musical equation.

"There's a lot of things that are developing right now," says manager and LP Music label head Arash Nazhad. "We're entertaining an offer to take LP Music and Specifics to another level, and I think it will be a great step for all of us." Think Twice has graduated from the Jay Dee/Hi-Tek/Just Blaze school of production, capable of creating intricate, emotive tracks, as well as well-oiled bangers. He's lucky to be working with an MC like Goldenboy, who seems to be paying attention to all the mediocrity out there. Lyrically, he's taken things up a notch for sure, inspiring heads to listen close to his particular point of view.

"Things are looking good for a collaboration with MF Grimm on his new album, and that's super encouraging, and as the live shows continue to develop, DJ Goser's role will become more pronounced, in the pursuit of being just as hot on stage as they are on record." Songs that have been bubbling for months now include "Under the Hood," "Takin' It Back" and the classic "Velas."

"Specifics make hip hop that they wish other people would make," explains Nazhad. "The production is off the hook and Goldenboy's flow is unmatchable." While steadily churning out joints and jams here in Montreal, things are sizing up for the long awaited debut release of these dedicated heads. Let's hope that Montreal is ready to get down to the Specifics.

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