The duo of Mighty Joseph pairs Harlem’s Vast Aire (of Cannibal Ox/Weathermen fame) with Brooklyn’s Karniege – a battle-tested MC with several appearances and mixtapes to his name. Fans of Vast Aire know what to expect from him – visual braggadocio lyrics in his distinctive vocal tone. In Karniege, his gruff delivery is a more straight-ahead vocalist but effective just the same. Their debut album, Empire State, serves as both a soundtrack into what the NY-bred MCs have endured as residents of that bleak landscape and showing why they should command some respect as lyricists.

The album begins with the Karniege-produced The Uprising, an aggressive battle hymn that both MCs absolutely destroy. Karniege wisely applies a moody beat change towards the end of the third verse and brings the song full circle. The next track is Beast featuring Poison Pen – a bit of a disappointing progression given the excellence of the intro song. Poison Pen, who typically shines, adds nothing of worth to the track and in fact derails it. The track itself does not help itself with its plodding drums and overloud background sounds. However, things get right back on track with Out the Gate featuring Genesis of LXG. Even with superb performances from Vast and Karni, Genesis steals the show on this track. Karniege’s solo track, Anything Can Happen, serves as a cautionary street tale set in the streets of his native Brooklyn. The combination of fervor and tension combine for satisfactory results on this track.

Famed producer Madlib reunites with Vast Aire in providing production for Vast’s solo song Legend, which is without question one of the album’s best tracks. Madlib employs videogame samples and Vast Aire is in clear battle/gamer reference mode. The track Blood Sport features Vast Aire’s partner in Cannibal Ox, Vordul Mega. While Vast and Karni deliver fine verses, the star of the collaboration is Vordul all the way. The album wraps up neatly with the tracks Night Life, General Stripes, and Rock-It-Science. In Night Life, the song is pedestrian at best and barely merits a mention. However, the track is original in its application. General Stripes is stellar and again finds the duo doing what they do best – simply rhyme and rhyme well. The track is a dark and moody affair but meshes well with the MCs voices. The LP closes with Rock-It-Science and production from J-Zone and is perhaps the album’s best beat. Again, the MCs add the perfect compliment to the swinging track.

Mighty Joseph delivers a solid debut with just a few snags. There exists a lack of variety as far as content but if you are just in search of dope beats and rhymes with little in the way of true focus, Empire State is a solid purchase for that reason alone.