Minneapolis’ own Muja (formerly known as Muja Messiah) teams up with producer Dub Sonata for a collaborative album titled Break The Stereo. Spanning 11 tracks, the rapper-producer duo takes you on a journey from the Twin Cities to the Five Boroughs, calling on frequent collaborators Slug (of Atmosphere), Nejma Nefertiti, Nazeem (of Blood $moke Body), Bobby J From Rockaway, and Queensbridge legend Tragedy Khadafi to appear on the project. Muja’s discography includes releases with Atmosphere, Black Thought, Raekwon, and Brother Ali, while Dub has produced songs for Sage Francis, Rhymefest, and Guilty Simpson. The two first connected when Muja released his 2017 EP Saran Rap, produced by and featuring Roc Marciano, on Man Bites Dog Records. After gracing a song on Dub’s recent Tranquilizer Dart album, Muja locked in on Dub’s production, resulting in their joint offering Break The Stereo. The LP releases 6/21 on limited edition vinyl and digipak CD.
“Put It Inna Book” is the kind of song that can fit any mood. The mesmerizing and neck-breaking drums laid down by Dub Sonata created a perfectly rugged canvas for Muja and Nazeem to drop some explosive rhyme schemes. The vocals are aggressive but never over the top. Muja has mastered the art of using your voice as an instrument. His dynamic delivery fits like a puzzle piece against the off-kilter instrumental. The chanting hook is reminiscent of classic Wu-Tang while their verses put a unique twist on modern tropes. “Put It Inna Book” is an anthem waiting to be discovered. The chemistry between the artists strings their individual talents together to create a honed yet chaotic single.
“Sometimes it feels like the art of reading books has become lost on people, explains the duo. “That said, if you want to hide something…PUT IT INNA BOOK!”