Big Quarters

In a fairer world, “Ladies Know”—the fifth track off Big Quarters’ new From The Home Of Brown Babies And White Mothers—would be the infectious, unavoidable hip-hop hit of summer 2009. Catchy, clever, and bright, the song is a piece of sugary gum, occasionally bursting in poppy bubbles. Beyoncé, eat your heart out. The rest of Brown Babies, however, mostly comprises gloomier tracks. Which isn’t to say they’re unappealing; in fact, the production is remarkably strong. The lyrics often take a backseat, but have just enough personal flair to keep from being perfunctory. Brown Babies might not be a club-ready record as a whole, but with beats that constantly reinvent themselves, it’ll make more than a few heads bob.

Updated 05/14/2009