Masters Of The Universe is an extended version of Waterworld, an LP released in small numbers in 1999, and it makes some noise in by the year 2000. Binary Star's kind of rap, though, is not exactly the boldest or the more adventurous one, despite some dark beats and the duo's integrity.
With these two MCs from Pontiac, Michigan, we are far from the most extremist fringes of the indie rap scene, those favoring weirdness, or flirting with techno music and other genres. Their kind of hip-hop is like in the old days, with lots of jazzy beats, and words full of street wisdom. Senim Silla, One Man Army - a.k.a. One Be Lo - and their collaborators, however, have a strong selection of samples, their lyrics are eloquent and full of burning conviction, and though the album is a bit too long, it starts and it ends well.
It impresses as soon as its very beginning, with "Reality Check", as well as on the upbeat "Conquistador" with its bouncy bass and panting strings, or the previously unreleased "Solar Powered", with scratches from DJ Phrikshun.
And though the duo gets weaker by the middle of the record, it gets exciting again with the piano keys of "Indy 5000", an indie hip-hop manifesto, the downtempo and ladies dedicated "Evolution Of Man", the heartbreaking jazz piano of "I Know Why The Cage Birds Sing", a track about prison life, and also "Honest Expression", a song about the current state of hip-hop, that samples some of its classics.
Last but not least, the duo closes the album with a thrilling posse cut, a seven minute long "KGB" with J.U.I.C.E, Elzhi and others, delivered with a sample from the Red Army Choir, and introduced by some playlet, with a guy mimicking the slave accent and proposing to play Russian roulette.
Despite this well-received record and some other noticeable releases, especially from One Be Lo, the duo will split quickly and have almost no posterity after Masters Of The Universe. The fact is that, instead of exploring new ways, this album is more something of a swansong, the last cry of a kind of rap which didn't want to die, some nostalgic hip-hop that doesn't feel comfortable with the new era. And as such, it continues to be praised and revered by some purists.