Canadian independent rap group, D.U.N. Deal, prove they are far from being done with the hip-hop game. Reppin' Malvern, Ontario, the group consists of emcees Dirge, 1st Word, A.I. Evolution, A.L.L., Living Sol, D.L. Geist and Rhuckey Tantrum.

Spitters of the Lost Art portrays D.U.N. Deal's rough, rugged and raw underground style. The beats remain diversely simple, giving the album a real street feel. Impressively, group members Dirge & A.I. Evolution handle the majority of the album's production.

Unfortunately, the lyrical content falls short in places. Nonetheless, this eight track EP yields a gem with fluid-fast lyrical flow on 'Crazy Heads.' Female emcee, A.L.L., shines on 'Slaves' and 'Spaghetti Western' (her only contributions). The highlight of 'Raw' is its ODB-esk chorus combined with a shoaling sword sample.

This debut EP from D.U.N. Deal shows definite promise. However, it remains only an average album. The theme of several songs lack originality and with so many artists in the group, it becomes easy to identify the weaker verses in a song. If you're looking for some rugged, semi-conscious, underground Canadian rap, then I'd suggest you check out this album.

For more information on D.U.N. Deal, contact dundeal1@hotmail.com.