The US Left Coast Underground has produced quite a bit of high quality product over the past few years. After the creative stagnation caused by six million groups all trying to ride the G-funk wave, a rebirth of creativity followed. Artists and groups like Tha Liks, Xzibit, Phil Da Agony, Project Blowed, Heiroglyphics, Blackalicious, Jurassic 5, Krondon and of course Self Scientific have been standouts in this movement.

After a dedication to their fallen friend and executive producer Bigga B, the album jumps right into the fatness with "The Covenant" between Self Scientific and their listeners. DJ Khalil's production is intensely creative, relying on progression and clever sequencing rather than simple, recognizable loops. Each instrument in each song feels like it was lovingly laid down and that really comes through in the completed product. Even the interlude beats bang, and the progression through the album is obviously well thought out and is nearly impeccable. The only beat not produced by Khalil is the title track, "The Self Science," produced by Jade Tiger and co-produced by Khalil.

The lyrical side of the Self Scientific collective is handled by Chace Infinite. He is a very refreshing alternative to the norm, with carefully crafted verses which fit Khalil's beats extremely well. Infinite is quite obviously intelligent, but avoids preaching, instead engaging in a dialogue with the listener. He's also not afraid to explore his own shortcomings and weaknesses in a serious fashion, something sorely lacking among MCs.

The Self Science is a journey into the souls of DJ Khalil and Chace Infinite, but in select places, they have guest artists. They've done an excellent job of maintaining their own feel, and Krondon, Planet Asia, Kombo and Stark Marshall add some extra flavour. Each guest steps up to do their part here, as anything less wouldn't have been enough in the face of the solid product from Chace and Khalil.

There is no filler material on this album, just straight musical bliss from beginning to end. That said, particularly strong tracks include "The Covenant," "The Long Run," "Murderation," "The Self Science," "Dead Honest," "Anguish" and "Return."