Nowadays music critics and fans seem to have a genre for just about everything out there. For example, there is Hip Hop, R &B, Funk, Rock n’ Roll, and Soul to name just a few. Most groups in a genre tend to conveniently fit a sound, thus, much of what is in a supposed genre sounds quite similar. To use Hip Hop as an example, most of what you see on MTV sounds the same: we have rappers like Jay Z, Nelly, Ludacris, and Ja Rule all talking about how much money they have, what kind of $80,000 car they drive, and how many women want them. Even in the Hip Hop underground it sometimes seems as if everyone is doing basically the same thing. But every once in a while, a group emerges out of a scene that challenges the conventions of that scene, a group that seems to defy all accepted genre. Chicago’s Dynamic Vibrations are one such group. Emerging out of Chicago’s underground Hip Hop scene, this quartet’s self-titled first album will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about Hip Hop. Combining elements of nearly everything from jazz to rock to funk, this group proves that socially aware rap, soulful singing, and musically diverse yet catchy beats have a place in world of music. MC’s Big Wes and Mecanix began their lyrical odyssey in High School in their native Oak Park, a suburb just outside of Chicago’s west side. After linking up with New York transplant Mr. Wondur Wie, Chicago DJ MadAdam, and fellow Oak Parker and producer NoRequest, they released their self-titled debut in late 2002. Many tracks, like “Did You Miss It?”, “Mechanical”, and “Gottaholdofme” are straight Hip Hop songs in the classic sense of the word. They combine raw lyrical skill with straightforward Hip Hop beats. Other tracks, like “Look Alive” feature live instruments and provide a more funky sound while still exhibiting lyrical skill. Still others, like “Rise and Shine”, “Communication”, and “Brick by Brick” show the more soulful side of the DV’s by exhibiting Big Wes’ ample vocal talent. The latter two feature local singer Christina Sanchez, who’s mellow vocals compliment those of Big Wes in perfect Yin and Yang-like symbiosis. Music is a thing that is ever-changing, and groups like the DV’s represent to future of Hip Hop. Though performing primarily in local Chicago bars and selling their CD’s out of their car trunks, this group has the talent and original sound to “blow up” in the near future.