As a long time hip-hop fan, it's hard not to be judgemental about the cookie cutter music being forced upon us. But just when I decide to retreat to my pre-1992 cocoon, I come across a dope artist that reminds me of why I love hip hop. Hip Hop Meditations gets back to hip hop's roots of drawing upon its surroundings and standing up for something beyond mere loot, which gets reflected here. Beyond the boom bap, Carlos draws heavily upon Afro-Cuban traditions, which considering hip hop's roots in the Caribbean, should be done more often. Speech from Arrested Development is a guest here, and I was intrigued enough to look him up and get reintroduced to a guy I thought had essentially retired from the game. (My bad). Carlos has a couple of new releases coming up soon featuring Zion I and Tre Hardson, formerly of the Pharcyde. I can hardly wait...