Common Market TOBACCO ROAD [Massline]

While Sir Mix-A-Lot's legacy is one to be recognized if not respected, Seattle's burgeoning hip-hop scene has taken a vastly different direction since 1993's "Baby's Got Back." The 206 area code has given rise to acutely conscious hip-hop led by Blue Scholars and the handful of artists on their independent record label Massline.

The latest addition to the label's repertoire is Tobacco Road, the sophomore release from Common Market, comprised of well-traveled Seattle-transplant MC Ra Scion and local DJ/producer Sabzi (who also works the ones and twos for Blue Scholars). Tobacco Road retains the profoundly spiritual and socially conscious themes that earned the group local popularity; the album refers to early 20th-century clashes between small tobacco farmers and big business to explore current political issues.

What sets this release apart from its freshman sibling is maturity from both band members, resulting in a more dynamic album. Ra Scion has introduced more versatility and finesse to his delivery, which has been accurately compared to Talib Kweli's. This settled execution is showcased prominently in "Trouble Is," where Ra Scion switches between rapid spitting and crooning.

Behind the turntables, Sabzi has come into his own as a producer as well. He still exhibits a proclivity for dusty soul samples and warm, fuzzed-out keyboards (Sabzi has formal training as a jazz pianist), but the beats on Tobacco Road are fuller and and more rounded out. Sabzi also takes some risks, such as the use of vocal samples and the spacey, minimalist funk production on "Nina Song," a track that deviates from the usual for the pair as a whole.

Meticulously-crafted albums like Tobacco Road have made the Pacific Northwest one of the latest hotbeds of politically savvy underground hip-hop and a scene to keep your ears tuned to.