OuterSpace is a cornerstone of the Philadelphia underground hip-hop scene, emerging in the late 1990s as part of the Jedi Mind Tricks-led collective Army of the Pharaohs. Comprising MCs Planetary and Crypt the Warchild, the duo's sound is characterized by a fusion of hardcore East Coast boom bap and 'cosmic' or 'scientific' lyrical themes.
Their early work on Superegular Recordings established a signature aesthetic: eerie, atmospheric production paired with aggressive, technical lyricism. Throughout the 2000s, particularly on albums like 'Blood and Ashes' and 'Blood Brothers,' they refined a style that utilized cinematic orchestral samples and heavy percussion, often produced by luminaries like 7L or the Snowgoons. Their cultural position is that of the 'underground veteran,' maintaining a loyal global following within the indie-rap circuit. They are frequently cited for their contribution to the 'Philly sound,' which emphasizes grit, brotherhood, and a refusal to cater to mainstream pop trends. Critics generally view them as essential figures in the preservation of 90s-style lyricism within a modern context.
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); defiant, brooding, mysterious (moods)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); brooding, intense, defiant (moods)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); defiant, brooding, mysterious (moods)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, lo_fi, drum_machine (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, lo_fi, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, hardcore punk (subgenres); rap, raspy, intense (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); rap, raspy, intense (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample_based, lo_fi, analog_warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, hardcore punk (subgenres); sample_based, lo_fi, analog_warmth (production style)
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