Line of Fire (Formerly Cleveland Steamers)

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In imagining the standard, stereotypical hip-hop group, listeners will find that the Cleveland Steamers are anything but. Comprised of Mic Crenshaw, a Portland, Oregon poetry slam champion and national finalist, Gen.Erik, a satirical lyricist with the ability to transform into a hip-hop DJ and producer, and DJ Aero, who has toured the world with Tommy Lee, as part of Methods of Mayhem, and with Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam, the group's creative cohesion has mesmerized numerous crowds since the three members decided to form a union. Although each member of the Cleveland Steamers is a veteran to the music industry, they have emerged as a group, combining Crenshaw's socially conscious clever lyricism and Gen.Erik's thought-provoking wordplay with DJ Aero's melodic, head-nodding beats. The Cleveland Steamers' album, "Treasure Chest", was recently released, and features Rhymesayers artists I Self Divine and Nightclubber Lang (Boom Bap Project), along with Sy Scott.

"I know what you’re thinking. The Cleveland Steamers!? But wait, what we have here is much more compelling than the depictions of libertine sex acts one would expect. Hailing from Portland, Oregon the Steamers are comprised of two MCs, Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik, accompanied by DJ Aero completing the trio on the wheels of steel. Touching on topics ranging from underground rap groupies and the redundancy of modern Hiphop to political follies and the horrors of war, this record is a classic example or why you shouldn’t judge a book (in this case an album) by it’s diamond encrusted cover. Behind the faux Pen and Pixel cover art lies nearly flawless multi-syllabic lyricism and unique flows delivered over production that will no doubt draw comparisons to fellow Portland inhabitants Boom Bap Project.

The tone is set from the very first track as Mic Crenshaw calls for revolution, while Gen.Erik takes a more personal approach to social issues with lines like “We’ve become desensitized/ Avoid homeless like the plague/ I myself have been known to evade/ I want to change but it’s a task/ I can’t afford spare change for everyone who asks.” Two tracks later we’re treated to I’m The Decider, a hilarious attack on the King of the United States and one of the most creative joints I’ve heard in a very long time. Dubya is questioned by the Steamers and answers in the form of samples of the many of the notably preposterous quips he’s made since taking office.

Not everything is so serious though as they follow up with Rap Clichés, an admittedly cliché song which I won’t insult anyone by explaining the topic of. Day By Day is an absolute gem featuring a rare I Self Devine guest spot and a verse by Mic Crenshaw that is so incredible I would have to quote it in it’s entirety to do it any justice. Production is a little unpredictable on this record, but something that’s remarkable is the pair of MC’s ability to demonstrate enough skill and charisma that even when the beat’s not that great you still want to hear what they’re saying. Fortunately, this isn’t the case too often as the collection of producers provide mostly satisfying sonics of the boom bap variety.

Perhaps the most important talent The Cleveland Steamers possess is their adeptness at combining humorous and serious elements allowing them to make a point and get it across while not coming off heavy handed or preachy. The emcees compliment each other very well, rocking distinct styles and both are dope enough to hold it down on their own so there’s no “wack one”. The culmination of all the weapons this trio has at their disposal is an album that... can be listened to front to back repeatedly. Hopefully the Steamers saved enough shit to get off their chest for another album."

www.hiphopdx.com"Portland-based trio Cleveland Steamers are one hell of a group; musically and topically united, the recently-formed trio of Hip Hop veterans showcases a collective craftsmanship, versatility, knowledge and humor that is sorely lacking in the current maelstrom of get-rich-quick "artists" who couldn't distinguish Ed O.G. from Special Ed. With two MCs (Gen.Erik and Mic Crenshaw) and a DJ (Aero) handling the lion's share of mic controlling, scratching and boardwork, Cleveland Steamers can't help but remind me of the good ole days, when being Hip Hop meant being multi-talented (remember the 4 elements anyone?!), original (as in fresh, dummies), and confidently self-assured (a genuinely believable self-assuredness built up over many years and based on endless practice and performances, not just vain cockiness and pipe dreams, like today's youngins). "

www.rapreviews.com"When the soundscapes do rise to the word bending capabilities of emcees Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik, the results are quite pleasing. "

www.okayplayer.com"The two MC's in the group have two very distinct flows, and they work very well together. Gen.Erik has the kind of flow similar to Cypress Hill's B-Real without the high nasal tones, while Mic Crenshaw has the kind of finesse that has him sounding like a cross between El-P and Large Professor... They do this very well, and these guys are ready for next-level status. "

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