The Music Mastermind

Is it hip-hop? Is it rock? Is it comedy?.... The beauty of New York's all female hip-hop project Northern State is that you cannot completely pigeonhole their style into one genre. That, and they do not take themselves or their music too seriously. This is evident simply by the group's infrastructure. While they may not be winning a Grammy anytime soon, there is a lot to be desired here. The ladies know how to entertain with their witty lyrics, catchy hooks, and outrageous beats.

Can I Keep This Pen?, marks the return of the greatest female rap group that you may have never heard of. This fall, the group played in front of sold out theaters across North America as the opening act for Tegan and Sara.

Standout tracks on the album are the oddly addictive "Better Already" and "Sucker Mofo." Northern State never comes close to suffering from attempting to fit into the mold of the mainstream. Their vulgar lyrics make it difficult for them to ever crossover to pop radio. All in all, it is a great pleasure to see such a refreshingly original piece of art be received so well during this age of over-produced copycat jargon.