Underground Fossils: Bo-Rat - Project Cutty (2008)

Underground Fossils was an indie rap focused blog run by myself (Dimxsk) and by Trylemma, who passed August 3rd, 2024 from liver failure of unknown origin at the age of 34. We mostly posted week or twice weekly, the bulk of which were rare rips we made, found on old blogs, he acquired through his insanely broad connection to the scene, etc. We did all we could to make sure we didn't post stuff that (1) You could still reasonably buy from the artist directly, (2) You could reasonably buy secondhand for cheap, (3) You could download easily elsewhere, (4) The artist(s) asked us not to for any reason. Being involved in this blog was some of the most fun I ever had, even if at times it was time consuming, challenging or intimidating (having a readership). It was the product of one of the best friendships I've ever had. If I could say one last thing, it's to encourage all of you: if you have the time and desire, make your own UGF. Find a friend who loves this shit like you do and build it together. It will bring you incredible joy, enhance your connection to this amazing community, and change your life in unexpected and exciting ways. I know it did mine. Love you all!

Friday, August 23, 2019

Bo-Rat - Project Cutty (2008)

Many a good rapper have sprung from, or at least participated in, the battle scene. From the freestyle days of Scribble Jam (attended by rappers like PEACE, Astronautalis, H-Bomb, and Qwel) to the more modern written era (of which rappers like Noah23, Met Fly, Geechi Gotti, and Locksmith have been involved with.) Today's post is from a rapper best known for his time in the battle scene but who is also, even in that arena, often overlooked: Bo-Rat's 2008 album "Project Cutty."

Bo-Rat is an LA rapper who was very involved in the West Coast freestyle battle scene in the mid-late 2000s, having competed in competitions like Scribble Jam, Jumpoff, Brainstorm, and Tourettes. He did well in that scene, though he never quite made the jump to the written era. He did, however, put out music for a short period of time before ultimately leaving the rap game behind. "Project Cutty" is his debut album.

Having grown up in the Bay, you can definitely hear a lot of that hyphy bouncy sound influence throughout the album. There's nothing groundbreaking about the production, but it still sounds good overall. Lyrically, there's a lot of bragging and battle rhymes, as to be expected, with some introspection and party rhymes thrown in. Style is definitely the highlight. Like many from the era, Bo-Rat knew how to cram multis and internals! He has a standard delivery style, but also deviates from it a bit throughout the album (sometimes successfully, sometimes not.) Battle-friends Pass, The Saurus, Illmaculate, Ex-I, and Lush One all stop by to drop verses as well.

The album isn't incredible and it definitely sounds dated in places, but fans of West Coast indie rap from the late 2000s are likely to find some jewels on the project. The album was mainly available via CD on tours and battle events, but was also briefly available online when it initially dropped. It seems to have disappeared, however, from the nets, so we bring it to you here today. The rip is an old online one (non-scene I believe.) Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD