Enter MC Sean One. Hailing from St. John, New Brunswick, this rapper is hardly a household name, as he represents true underground to the fullest. His album, cheekily entitled, I live in New Brunswick, features a cover that screams of cheese. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this intellectual lyricist is simply teaching the age-old lesson of 'don't judge a book by its cover'. In fact, you will find nothing cheesy about this album, as MC Sean One comes correct.

Stylistically, this album is very complete. Sean One combines with featured artists, Above, Phactsimile and a female artist known only as Andrea, to drop some of the dopest rhymes I've heard in awhile. Impressively, I even found choruses and verses getting stuck in my head. But that's only the tip of the iceberg: Underground producer, James Orr (of We Stain Porcelain), shines musically as he takes several songs to a higher level by providing masterful flute and keys. This only adds to the timelessness of the beats, which are produced by both James and Sean One. To round out the true hip hop feel of this album, scratching is added by DJ STV, and multi-DMC champion DJ Jorun, and a large number of well-placed samples are impressively incorporated into several songs.

The album features eight equally impressive songs, 3 interludes/intro, and 3 skits. 'How Long Will It Last' was my favorite track. The old school beat, coupled with flute, a catchy chorus will and scratchy voiced sample of "shoulda watched that sunshine" at the end, provide impressive aural appeal. 'My Mother's Christmas Present' is touching message to his mother. 'My School Project' was indeed a sociology project dealing with Napster, and features very dope production from Halifax's DJ Jorun. 'I've got Friends that Rap Well' indeed features some very dope verses by Sean One's MC friends. As well, both the intro, and two interludes provided very fresh breaks in between tracks, as even Cookie Monster makes an appearance. Unfortunately not all was perfect, as the skits, especially on the bonus track, were low quality, and lacked true appeal.

Overall, 'I Live in New Brunswick' was a very impressive album. The beats were timeless and the rhymes were fresh, thus providing a feel bordering gingerly on the edge of the roots of real hip hop. If the skits had been omitted, Sean One would have had a very complete and tight album. Nonetheless, the album is definitely worth picking up. If you aren't sold after the first listen, then you probably ought to take a second listen.