CLEVELAND STEAMERS: Treasure Chest

Cleveland Steamers

Treasure Chest

© 2006 Focused Noise Productions (619981210829)

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True School Hip-Hop featuring clever lyricism and thought-provoking wordplay over melodic, head-nodding beats.

tracks

1 Fists High
2 The Groove Ft. Nightclubber Lang (Boom Bap Project)
3 The Decider
4 Rap Clichés
5 Rock That Sh*t
6 Sanctuary Ft. Toni Hill
7 Party People
8 Day By Day Ft. I Self Divine
9 Brother
10 My Life Ft. Toni Hill & Mic Q
11 Undergroupies
12 110 Percent Independent
13 Skull Bone Ft. Sy Scott
14 It’s Been Alone
15 Get Money
16 Don’t Do That

notes

“When a vanload of Lil’ Bastards from Portland unloads at your spot, be afraid. When they’re named after a particularly vulgar sexual defiance, it can only get worse. But dudes have got skills!”
-XLR8R, November 2006.


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. As an added bonus, Cleveland Steamers often collaborate live with DJs Wels and Wicked, two of the Northwest's best hip-hop DJs, using four turntables. Wicked is best known for his "Got Milf" CD and touring as the DJ for Rhymesayers’ Grayskul.

The Cleveland Steamers debut album Treasure Chest (available November 2006) is a potentially classic hip-hop album, led by "The Decider", a groundbreaking concept, in which MCs Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik trade rhymes with none other than George W. Bush over a smooth beat composed by DJ Aero. By utilizing the President's popular foolish sound bites (Bushisms), the Cleveland Steamers substantiate Bush's lack of compassion and intelligence in a clever manner that is entertaining and comedic to the listener. In an example of the song's brilliance, Crenshaw exchanges quips with Bush, "Bomb the nation into oblivion/ Some say a village is missing it's idiot/ Saying stuff like 'poor people aren't necessarily killers'/Damn George that's the illest/ Now watch this, listen to how he feels/ 'Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill'."

Gen.erik also takes some witty jabs at the President, "You conned the nation taking photo ops/ A background filled with soldiers they probably fixed in Photoshop/ You broke the laws with your vanity/ No respect for those 'working hard to put food on their family'."

"The Decider" is a song that you will have to hear for yourself.

In addition to the politically charged single, Cleveland Steamers offer a wide variety of subject matter on Treasure Chest, ranging from pop culture to personal struggles to underground groupie (labeled "Undergroupies"). The album showcases superb lyricism from Gen.Erik alongside Mic Crenshaw, and features guest appearances by Sy Scott, I Self Divine, and Nightclubber Lang from Boom Bap Project, as well as production from DJ Aero, Gen.Erik, Arkitek, P-Cutta and Mic Q, and Gregory B. from Italy.



Cleveland Steamers Press

"...the Cleveland Steamers are a match made in heaven. The Steamers mouthpieces, Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik... are Portland emcees who rightfully demand to be taken seriously, but they’ve also all got a dirty/drunk side that I’m hoping to see them bring out in each other at this show... the Steamers are also wrapping up work on upcoming releases that they can’t wait for you to hear, and it’d be damn worth your while to peep a sneak preview."
-Willamette Week

“The lines are delivered in stark verbal contrast to one another, but it’s the interplay between Crenshaw’s inflective baritone and (Gen.)Erik’s natural, front-free flow that makes the Steamers’ sound so engaging… lyrically compelling throughout…”
-Willamette Week, 11/15/06

“…the latest project from Portland hip-hop favorite Mic Crenshaw is his most incisive and enjoyable yet. “
-Oregonian, 11/17/06

"Man about town Mic Crenshaw (Hungry Mob) and emcee Gen.Erik light up the stage once again as the Cleveland Steamers, with hip-hop that challenges the thick gold chains and Benzos of commercial rap music."
-Portland Mercury

"Whereas some mainstream rap stars rap about sex, drugs, and money, those underground intellectuals in Cleveland Steamers cover, well, "Sex, Drugs, and Money." To their credit, they do so with unusual eloquence. However, Gen. Erik and Portland poetry slam champ/Suckapunch emcee Mic Crenshaw also explore less obvious topics, most notably the destructive advertising imagery detailed in "Brainwashed." Gen. Erik probably spent many of his sauciest rhymes last weekend, so the Steamers should be at their well-rounded best for this gig. Catch the vapors."
-Portland Mercury

"Mic Crenshaw and Gen.Erik team up to form Cleveland Steamers one thing you can be sure of: Crenshaw and Gen.Erik spit out verses hard and fast, sometimes getting dirty, but always remaining intelligent."
-Willamette Week

"Fans of off-center, lyrics-obsessed hip-hop a la Aesop Rock may dig Gen.Erik, who mines a similar territory of sexed-up, all-intellectualized-with-nowhere-to-go storytelling."
-Willamette Week

"Gen.Erik sometimes approximates the over-enunciated consonants and anti-dialect delivery of Eminem, but his subject matter is far less... well, violent, postured and, you know, loco. He points out spiritual hypocrisy--both that of others ("Stereotypes") and his own ("Sex, Drugs, Money")--turning around pretty clever phrases and rapping with humor in lieu of preachiness. (Also, it helps that DJ Aero's production is pretty tight.)"
-Portland Mercury

"I had the pleasure of attending a Mic Crenshaw show at the Ohm recently and realized that this guy is serious about his shit. There was a nice crowd of people and the music was on point! This is the sort of thing that's important to support in this town, because it goes a long way in showing bar owners and the media that underground hip-hop is a legitimate force in the city of Portland."
-Portland Mercury

reviews

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  • author: Hiphopdx.com

    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, with the exception of a skit and one annoying ass hook, can be listened to front to back repeatedly. Hopefully the Steamers saved enough shit to get off their chest for another album.

  • This cd is sick, i have to agree with the other comments that this group is ready for the next level. Their solid, their rhymes are filthy, and their beats are sick.

  • You HAVE to get this disc!
    author: Rochell D. "Ro Deezy" Hart

    Yo! "The Decider" and "Santuary" (featuring Toni Hill) on the Clevland Steamers CD is THE SHIIIIIIIITTTT! (The whole disc is hot but those are my faves.) I been rollin with that in heavy rotation in my whip, on my ipod, etc! Stimulation for my mental and grooves my boogie ... a complex task, completed successfully and effortlessly by this dynamic duo.

  • Cleveland Steamers give hope for hip hop
    author: Walidah Imarisha

    Cleveland Steamers first album Treasure Chest definitely moves your fist, your ass and your mind. Resplendent with phat ass lyrics that make you go "Ahhhhh shit!," beats that got me getting down even when I'm driving alone in my car and a ferocious heart, this album has renewed my waning faith that you can be talented emcees and still be talking about real shit that will speak to folks. I do have to say not the biggest fan of the portrayal of women in this album (I would skip Undergroupies if not for that catchy hook), but Cleveland Steamers definitely get down and dirty on these tracks but come up with their dignity intact, and in the hip hop world of today, that's not an easy feat.

  • These guys are ready for next-level status
    author: Music for America

    People who like the nasty side of life may know what a Cleveland Steamer is. When you're a hip-hop group and you decide to call yourselves Cleveland Steamers, that's working on that other level. This trio (Gen.Erik, Mic Crenshaw, and DJ Aero are a group who want to let people know that hip-hop from Portland, Oregon is as valid as any other city, and when you're true to creating music for the sake of doing so, it ends up in a quality piece of work. Treasure Chest cover a wide range of topics, and yet by doing so they manage to create a vibe that is very centered. "The Decider" is a nice verbal blast against the current emperor of the United States, or in truth a request for a simple Q&A with a list of questions they would ask, and possible answers from the manipulated audio archives of President Bush himself. On the other end, they go out of their way to blast hip-hop itself in "Rap Cliches", taking a look at elements that seem to be in repeat mode. 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 work very well together, almost like another well known Portland crew, Lifesavas. While both could easily do their own solo projects, Cleveland Steamers does not sound like a "every man for himself"-type album, there's a union that functions as part of the group's appeal. DJ Aero and Gen.Erik handle their own productions, along with other people who helped them out on the album with tracks, and while all of the songs are different (from the R&B flavored "My Life" to the atmospheric "Undergroupies"), there is still a consistency throughout that may have to do with not only their verbal and writing skills, but the fact that they add a bit of personality. They remind me a bit of the first time I heard Time Machine, where everything they put into their music felt right. This is Cleveland Steamers, and it's not about perfection but more about getting the heart and soul into their music. They do this very well, and these guys are ready for next-level status. Written by John Book for www.musicforamerica.org John Book's top Hip-Hop Albums of 2006- Al-Sha'heed-The Epistle Of Saladin (Renegade Entertainment) Belief-Dedication (Belief) Braille-Box Of Rhymes (HipHopIsMusic) * Cleveland Steamers-Treasure Chest (Focused Noise) Curse Ov Dialect-Wooden Tongues (Mush) Cut Chemist-The Audience's Listening (Warner Bros.) Danny!-Charm (1911 Music/Badenov) Dumhi-They Call Me Bruce (Dumhi Productions) ISWHAT?!-The Life We Chose (Hyena) Leroy Smokes-Love Hustle Theater (Smokesignyl) Mekalek-Live & Learn (Glow In The Dark) Method Man-4:21... The Day After (Def Jam) Mr. Long-The Class Of '89 (self-released) MuAmin-Industry Standard (self-released) Penuckle-The Sun Beckons... (Basement) People Under The Stairs-Stepfather (Basement) Phoenix Orion & Paranorml-The Beyonders: Time Capsule (Nonfikshen) Pigeon John-Pigeon John And The Summertime Pool Party (Quannum) The Procussions-5 Sparrows For 2 Cents (Rawkus) Preach-Garveyism (Blusic Music) Prurient-Pleasure Ground (Load) Random-The Call (RAHM Nation) The Roots-Game Theory (Def Jam) Sivion-Spring Of The Songbird (HipHopIsMusic) Soul Position-Things Go Better With RJ and Al (Rhymesayers) Subtitle-Terrain To Roam (Alpha Pup) Superiority Complex-Stand Up (BRU) Tanya Morgan-Moonlighting (Loud Minority) Voice-Gumbo (Featherperm/Public Transit Recordings)

  • Portland-based trio Cleveland Steamers are one hell of a group
    author: RapReviews.com

    Cleveland Steamers :: Treasure Chest :: Focused Noise Recordings as reviewed by Jordan Selbo Don't let the name fool ya—the Cleveland Steamers are neither from Ohio nor a sex-raunch novelty act in the same vein as 2 Live Crew. Nor is their music as disgustingly juvenile as their name or their cover art (which features a wack Photoshop montage of blinged-out skulls, bras and pimp cups) suggest. I'll reference the old adage and urge you not to judge a book by its cover, as if this were a book, it'd be something like Vonnegut's masterwork "Cat's Cradle" wrapped in one of (his notoriously-recurring character) Kilgore Trout's tawdry dime-store porn pulp covers...yes, the contrast is that extreme. But let's get to the business at hand: despite the awful name and more awful artwork, 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). On "Treasure Chest," then, the album title is more telling than the nom-de-plume and the artwork—there are indeed plenty of rare and valuable jewels to be found inside. So whose chests are these Hip Hop junkies deucing on? Sometimes its simply on folks messing up the game, as CS devotes two tracks to dissing the wack, "Rap ClichÈ" and "Don't Do That." These familiar staples of the underground are saved from pointlessness, however, by the many hilarious and spot-on details Gen.Erik and Mic C. throw into the stew, such as scathing impersonations of greedy-but-stupid MCs and ubiquitous corporate radio DJs. In addition, they showcase a level of self-awareness that's pretty refreshing (last line of above song: "writing a song about rap clichÈs/ that's just another rap clichÈ!"). In addition, they use the also-hilarious "Undergroupies" to shit on drunk girls at shows in a viciously candid yet still self-depreciating manner. Finally, CS save their biggest load for our commander in chief, on the ingeniously-sampled "The Decider," in which DJ Aero scratches in numerous ridiculous and heinous "Bushisms" while the two MCs verbally taunt him in between. Seriously, with a president this goofy and incompetent, ridicule through exposure is much more effective than any angry tirade could hope to be. Extending this disgusting metaphor even further (I just can't stop myself), the Steamers have more targets for their acts of defamation. Did you know some people (call ‘em what you like—freaks, sexual deviants, scatological psychos—actually like the aforementioned act? In the same way, Hip Hop heads can resemble freaks in their quest for and love of good shit (pun intended). In that case, CS drops plenty of hot material that hits straight to the, ahem, chest. The guest artists, ranging from producer Mic Q to Rhymesayers' always-killer I Self Divine, are uniformly dope and are used as they should be—to enhance the flavor of the main course. Whether it's the deliciously fleshed-out party jams "The Groove" and "Rock That Shit," the introspective and political musings of "It's Been Alone," or the purely celebratory bangers "Day by Day" and "Skull Bone," CS know how to bring it like the veterans they are. On "Treasure Chest," they master many styles, showcase nuance both lyrically and sonically, and bring a relevance and topicality to the game that's sorely lacking in these troubled times. And it's all delivered in a way both serious as cancer (in their approach to complex issues and love of Hip Hop), and coolly mischievous (indicating their ability to not take themselves too seriously). I could get specific as to the reasons most tracks bang, but that might take up too much of your precious time (unless you're at the office like me trying to waste time, in which case I should have written more!). So here are the critiques I observed during a recent listen: the opener "Fists High" is too much like all the other unoriginal political and economic manifestoes currently infesting the underground scene, and so doesn't properly introduce the album to come; Gen.Erik's flow sounds, initially at least, a tad forced at times (new term: Caucasoidal syndrome?!); finally, the lyrical pair use a few too many uninspired punchlines amidst all the genuinely thought-provoking lyrics (sample "ehhhh" line: "more hair-raising than a blow dryer"). But if you're a Hip Hop freak that can overlook those minor flaws (I sho'nuff can), then I suggest you get to your online/local store of choice and prepare to be Steamed on. Music Vibes: 8.5 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 7.5 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 8 of 10 Originally posted: January 9, 2007 source: www.RapReviews.com

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