FESTIVA CD REVIEW: Styk Figa - 'Area 51'

"Area 51" marks the solo debut of Jeremy "Styk Phiga" Adams. The Chicago-born rapper moved to the Valley a few years ago, and he first hit the hip hop scene making beats and rhyming with Dem ATM Boyz.

With this album, Styk establishes himself as one of the most versatile, original rappers south of San Antonio. He raps on tracks with influences ranging from R & B to reggaeton. He flows fast. He flows slow. He rhymes multiple syllables.

His debut is solid start to finish. The production, which he did himself, stays interesting throughout. Some beats lend themselves to dancing, some to bumping in the car and others to headphones. Like his rhymes and flow, the beats stay versatile.

You don't get bored.

The content of his rhymes mostly focuses on lighter topics. No politics, introspection or preaching here. But that's not a problem, because he keeps his rhymes clever. A few tracks address his skill while others talk about hooking up and romance.

But Styk Phiga, a guy who calls himself an alien and extraterrestrial through much of the album, shines brightest when he gets weird. Or at least a little sarcastic.

"Popular" is a hilarious look at people who invest tons of energy in being liked. It's a really, clever and original track. "Stick a finger down that throat / anorexic is so dope / obesities a no no / screw them doctors they don't know," Styk intones, employing a mocking flow.

It sort of represents Styk's whole album.

Not too heavy. Clever and original. And like nothing else coming out of the local rap scene right now.

Stars: 3 out of 4

Best tracks: Da Bomb featuring Cal Casta, Energy and Popular.

Zack Quaintance covers features and entertainment for Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4447.