What’s more nerdy than rapping about videogames? How about a full album based on Capcom’s Mega Man? Using samples from the various incarnations of the Mega Man videogames, Random Beats and guest producers DNS, Domingo and Samik swipe a familiar selection of samples to create an eight-bit backdrop for Random’s alter ego, Mega Ran, a rapping robot with an arm cannon and a desire to battle whack robots. Within this loose concept, Mega Ran does more than just brag and boast, which he does well on “Shadowman,” a dark, tribal b-boy jam, and “Boss Battle: MetalMan,” a funk rock freak-out complete with a cheesy chorus. Mega Ran also breaks down the realities of life as a struggling rapper/videogame character on the smooth, bubbly “Bubbleman,” goes clubbing on “Mega Club,” criticises the clones of “Robot City” and even steps out of character for “Grow Up,” his ode to videogames. While “Robot City” and its remix work the concept best, the one-two punch of Mega Ran’s doomed love story is also inspired. “Aqua Soul (Robot Love)” introduces the hero, a robot who finds his princess just before heading off to war, and ends with a cliffhanger. But after the instrumental “MegaLude,” the story continues when Ran attempts to get the girl on “The Continuation.” No spoilers here, however. Not only an interesting concept, Mega Ran is also an enjoyable trip down memory lane for many. It’s even available as a free download without the three bonus tracks. (Random Beats/RAHM Nation)

I will wholeheartedly and unabashedly admit to what may be an extreme bias in reviewing this album- one of my favorite video game series of all time has been Capcom’s Mega Man games. Not only did each installment pit our blue-bombshelled hero against new adversaries whose unique powers could be usurped and added to Mega Man’s arsenal, but the intricately, off-kilter music was some of the best stuff to grace my television’s speakers. Granted, I may be in the minority when it comes to my extreme Mega-love, but I know I’m not alone- this album is proof.

Phoenix-based emcee/producer/middle school teacher Random clearly shared that same fondness and took it a step further- as an in-between side project following his last album, 2006’s The Call, the gamer gathered with a handful of collaborators to craft Mega Ran, a concept record of the highest (and nerdiest?) degree. Not only is all of the music on this album sampled directly from the Mega Man video games, but the album itself interweaves the plotline of the game’s story and characters into its songs. While the initial results may provide laughter, once the shock wears off it becomes apparent that this is no gimmick- Random is remarkably comfortable on the mic, and accomplishes the lofty goal that so many so-called hip hop concept records never seem to achieve- he sticks to the topic completely for the entire record!

From the quickly-paced “Intro,” which details Mega Ran’s awakening in the lab of his mentor Dr. Light, to the hero’s confusion and struggle to process his love for the elusive Kalinka on “Aqua Soul (Robot Love),” Random puts together a compelling story that is only complimented by the animatedly expressive beats that not only recall those long summer afternoons glued in front of a screen, but are genuinely dope tracks. If I wasn’t so fixated on blowing the dust out of my old NES cartridges, I could definitely see myself at the club listening absolute jams like “Mega Club” and “Shadowman.” With today’s hip hop increasingly dipping into the realm of cold electronica, it only makes sense that this sample source would perfectly mesh with hard drums and chopped synth lines.

Above all, Random rises to the occasion by making an album that is both clever and effortless. Despite its lofty ambitions, the album’s intent never overshadows the simple fact that the music is dope. Though Mega Ran may not have as large an effect on those unfamiliar with the video game, anyone who ever kept a log of their continue codes is sure to geek out to what amounts to one of the most creative releases this year.

- Sean Kantrowitz

4/5 Fros