Innovation seems to be everywhere in hip-hop these days, except on the radio, BET and MTV. Artists are much less afraid to experiment and push the envelope of people's definition of hip-hop. The 4 MCs (Mr. Booka-T a.k.a. Bookaso, Water Water a.k.a. Aqua Dinero, Hypno, and J.D. a.k.a. Vengeance) and 1 vocalist (Ming-Xia) of the Spooks are determined to open people's minds, and end the stagnation brought on by the commercialization and mainstream acceptance of certain types of hip-hop.

From the moment the first classic sounding loop begins, you know you're in for something on the "Other Script." A simple riff over a booming timpani with inflection from Ming is unmistakeably hip-hop, but equally unmistakeable is the innovation present. In addition, the group has found new ways to use Ming's talents, instead of her just being some "singing ass bitch" who appears on hooks, her beautiful voice is used as another instrument in the scores of each song.

The production on the album is varied and strong. The lyrics definitely hold their own. The artists submerge their egos to make each song work, allowing each member of the group to shine when it's time without overshadowing the collective. This balance is difficult at the best of times, and with this many MCs PLUS a vocalist it's a feat to say the least. Many have heard the lead single, "Things I've Seen," with Ming's haunting backgrounds and the varied stylings of each MC and the rest of the album for the most part lives up to the high standard set by that track. This is a real group, not just a gathering of individuals for a project. One of the funniest parts of the album is the interludes where an executive tries to convince each member of the group in turn that they are the "star" and that they need to go solo.

Like any other experimental venture, this album has it's questionable moments. The singsong hook for "I Got You," doesn't really fit the feel of the rest of the album, but the track does bounce. "Deep Cutz" sounds very wierd at first, being so different from what we're used to hearing. One reason for the variety on the album is that the members of the group are from all over the eastern United States. I can't be more exact than that, because they don't broadcast where they are from, hoping not to be pigeonholed into any particular local style.

Specific tracks which stand out include: "Other Script," "The Mission," "Things I've Seen," "Flesh Not Bone," "Sweet Revenge," (wait for the beat to flip into the ill drum-and-bass style) "Karma Hotel," "Something Fresh," and "Swindley's Maracas."

This album is primarily for the more mature hip-hop heads who appreciate a little variety with their music. They also prove that hip-hop with a singer can work well - a real feat in these days of watered down hip-pop/R&B, where everyone and their dog is "collaborating" with some singer or the other. If you can appreciate a wide variety of flows and styles, real innovation and a refusal to blindly follow genre conventions, this is the album for you.