by Vincent ThomasThis duo consisting of MC MUDD (originally from Chicago) and DJ Ragz (originally from Sacramento) say their mission is to bring texture and lyricism back to hip-hop. The neo-jazz turntablism, lounge samples, electronic sounds, and abstract beats create richly layered soundtracks. Ragz talent is to create a cohesion with disparate sounds; MUDD seeks to follow in the footsteps of legends like KRS-One where his voice provides a charisma mixed with story-telling and an enviable vocabulary. His lyricism is defined by his consciousness and awareness. Their album Oxygen Refreshed, released in 2007, sought to capture an old-school vibe within a modern sound.