Your moms is on our team fa' sho.
KEXP
Cancer Rising, consisting of rappers Gatsby and Judas along with DJ TilesOne, is slowly becoming a Seattle institution. Since their first recording in 2003, it has been a straight shot to the upper echelon of NW hip-hop. Beyond the solid lyrics and powerful vocal delivery, CR lays down layers of rock and funk that few musicians in the genre dare touch. Most importantly, these guys save their best for the stage, putting other rappers to shame from Bumbershoot to Roskilde and booking supporting roles for international acts like on the recent Wu Tang tour. Essentially, if the stars are aligned, this should be a breakout year for Cancer Rising.
WC Performer
...Next up was Cancer Rising, who took the stage with a definitive bravado. The Seattle-based crew matched the giddy energy of The Physics with its own intensity and tore through a 10-plus song set, hardly stopping for air. It is in acts like Cancer Rising that a local movement is defined — with their workmen-like lyrics, they embody the blue-collar nature of Northwest hip-hop. And in true Northwest fashion, they've released a limited edition self-titled EP packaged in old jewel cases with the original tray cards, saving money, the environment, and honoring the artists who have inspired them.
The Stranger
Thanks to major releases from the city's best artists, 2007 has been Seattle hiphop's biggest year so far, and Cancer Rising's second album will bring the curtain down. Featuring DJ TilesOne and MCs Judas and Gatsby (also known as Larry Mizell Jr., Stranger hiphop columnist), the veteran crew spans the spectrum of NW styles but keeps it cohesive. A little angry, a little goofy, hard-rocking, deep-funking—Cancer Rising has one foot in the scene's roots and the other somewhere totally original.
Seattlest
...Cancer Rising was, as usual, in damn fine form. DJ TilesOne was on point, and the Judas/Gatsby interplay was amusing and invigorating. Judas was down on the floor rapping back and forth with Gatsby for awhile; we loved it. Cancer Rising was one of the first local hip-hop groups we ever heard, and they're still one of our favorites -- especially live -- for humor, crunch, sincerity, and a warm but oh-so-cool presence that draws in everyone in the room...
Seattlest has been in possession of CR's self-titled album for about a month now, and we have grown quite fond of it. Actually, it took only two listens in quick succession (we are a dedicated journalist!) to discern our strangely powerful attachment to Everyday Bidness". It's got something to do with Rainier Avenue, and we swear to God it's spiked with something addictive. The studio recording is expertly produced by djblesOne (who also dj'd at the Jive Turkey concert), and live... well. Live, it's an irresistible crowd-pleaser and an instant classic. In the same "does this have crack in it" vein, the crowd loves "Let's Start Some Shit." (With that hook, who wouldn't love it? Plus, it's Gatsby booming out that line, and it sounds badass.) The third new track we adore live is "Wait A Minute," also a djblesOne production and featuring a really fun 70s happy disco feel. We love this album's sampling (Grandma's Boys!), we love the deliberate, pounding beats, we love CR's new stylin' sound. This is great material from Gatsby and Judas and it's more than worth your $$.
XLR8R Magazine
"West Coast hip-hop strikes back! Well, upper-upper West Coast, that is. Straight-outta-Seattle heavy spitters Gatsby (son of legendary producer Larry Mizell) and Judas, together with DJ TilesOne, form the Voltron robot of Cancer Rising. Ripping through 13 cuts of caustic MPC-meets-live-instrumentation hip-hop, the trio brings the brouhaha with a searing amalgam that conjures vibes of Jurassic 5, Dujeous, Blackalicious, and Eminem. Note to all the non-believers: Check the ruff 'n' rugged tag-team jawn "Pocket Check." Seattle is on the come up, fa' sho!"
KEXP
"Whether they're contemplating their part in life or controlling the life of the party this Seattle hip-hop group always comes correct with their rock and soul flavored tracks..."
The Seattle Weekly
"Consisiting of MC's Judas and Gatsby and DJ Tiles One, Cancer Rising have infiltrated the forefront of Seattle's burgeoning hiphop scene thanks to a steady work ethic, some choice live shows, and several releases..." "The local trio's Search for the Cure is hip-hop made by people who like rock just as much, and is one of the most appealing releases in the scene right now."
The Stranger
"Their hiphop stands alone; a totally exotic plant with thick roots that are nourished by heavy metal and the heavy mental."
The Seattle Times
"I predict one of the following Seattle hip-hop acts will get national recognition in 2006: Blue Scholars; Cancer Rising; Common Market."
Disheveled Magazine
"Rhymes, Funk and Rock Riffs? Hells Yes. Search For The Cure Will Make You Shit Yourself." "...Having been affiliated with the local hip hop scene for over a decade I can honestly say without any sugar coated bullshit that these cats are the truth..."
Mercurialsound
"...they are the best hip-hop group in Seattle."
