Just when you thought that the golden era of hip-hop had disappeared forever, it resurfaces on Journey to Anywhere with these cats from Long Beach called Ugly Duckling. Obviously a reference to the children's story of the same name, these Caucasian rhymers seem too comfortable in their element to even live up to that moniker. Made up of Andy, Dizzy, and Young Einstein on the tables, UD rip it with old school party lyrics, jazzy, horn infused beats, and impeccable production. Throughout the album, smooth as silk basslines and crisp piano loops flood your auditory canals, perfectly in sync with the UD's laid back flows.

A great facet of this album, of which there are many, is the subject matter. These Cali boys go from talking old school experience on "Friday Night", playing wanna be pimps on "Pick Up Lines" and trashing the mainstream money grubbers on "A Little Samba."

On the title track, we succumb to a sleepy, melodic beat on which Andy and Dizzy concoct a whirlwind journey through a trippy world filled with the greats of old 70's children's programming. "I was greeted on arrival by drums of steel, a one man band called Surreal. I asked him of law and regulation. He said it was up to me. This was no longer reality, in here I was truly free." Some of Andy's lyrics point to obvious metaphors describing his feelings towards hip-hop and others simply entertain with his fantastic imagination and wit.

Upon first listen, many heads will immediately jump to the conclusion that these musicians are jumping on the J5 tip. Admittedly, my first impression was the same. You can even liken a lot of their style to Bizarre Ride era Pharcyde, with the wacked out subject matter and flow. The UD set themselves apart though. I think the only thing they have in common with J5 is a love for vintage hip-hop and party moving. Its refreshing to listen to an album and actually enjoy the simplicity of what hip-hop once was. No wax thugs or credit card millionaires on this album. Strictly nasty beats, smooth lyrics, and an understanding of what hip-hop once was and can be again.