People Under The Stairs - Question In The Form Of An Answer

Year Released: 2000

Genre: Real Hip Hop, with Soul, Funk and Jazz  

Description:

Question In The Form Of An Answer is the second studio album by the American hip-hop duo People Under The Stairs, released on June 6, 2000. Following their critically acclaimed debut, The Next Step, the duo, Thes One and Double K, refined and expanded their signature sound on this record. It was their first release on the influential Om Records label, a partnership that would become a cornerstone of their career.

The album is a prime example of the duo's "backyard boogie" aesthetic. The sound is a laid-back, jazzy, and soulful mix of instrumental hip hop and clever rhymes. Unlike the heavily produced and often sample-cleared hip hop of the era, PUTS maintained their DIY ethos, recording and engineering the entire album themselves in Thes One's home studio. They relied on dusty, obscure vinyl records for their samples, a practice that they saw as a way of preserving the creative spirit of hip-hop's golden age. The album's production, handled by the duo, is notable for its more complex and layered sampling techniques, showcasing their growth as producers.

Lyrically, the album is a fun-loving and authentic glimpse into the lives of two passionate record collectors and musicians. The rhymes are less focused on battle raps and more on everyday life, including crate-digging missions, recreational drinking, and the joy of making music. The album features a number of fan favorites, including the high-energy "Youth Explosion" and the classic anthem "We'll Be There." The album also includes a poignant and honest storytelling track in "July 3rd," a testament to their desire to be authentic. Question In The Form Of An Answer is a beloved record in the underground hip-hop community, solidifying PUTS' reputation as a genuine and unique voice in the genre and serving as a crucial stepping stone in their enduring career.