"Scenic Exchange"


"Scenic Exchange is a cause and effect, sweat for the paycheck, grind for reward concept. This is something we all face, whether that be in a positive or negative light. To me that exchange is beautiful, fucked up, twisted, entertaining, sad, reality, and from my point of view, scenic. This album encompasses all of those characteristics giving it an honest panoramic feel.

AG Flux is releasing his solo LP, Scenic Exchange on 12.12.12 and the bar was set pretty high by his Black Mask counterparts.  Fortunately, no one will be disappointed, this project is solid, intriguing and has a timeless appeal. Most of the beats were produced by AG and he displays quite an artistic range.  From sample heavy bangers to intricately arranged melodies each beat is different than the one before it, yet just as memorable.  The interlude, “90 Degree Seat Lean” is an instrumental masterpiece and serves as a desirable intermission, four tracks in. Immediately following is the effortlessly appealing, “Cross the Line” featuring Snak The Ripper. From beat to hook to both MCs’ bars, this track is a perfect storm, all elements coming together with precise timing.

"Scenic Exchange has quite a few features, including his Black Mask brethren, Aklock and Maulskull as well as cameos by Venus Cruz, Frank Castle and Scottie P. Also, Rachael K. lends her pleasant voice to many tracks throughout the album. Very little time was wasted on skits in this one.  Instead, AG Flux reserves his honest sense of humor to his flow.  “Break the Ice” is a blunt, sexually charged track that almost borders awkward, which seems calculated, based on the hook, “Taking it too far / to break the ice.” Unlike a large majority of rappers, AG seems refreshingly proud of his monogamy and instead of bragging about the hoes his pulling he raps about the frustration of his girl being on her period. AG Flux’s soprano voice and witty lyrics mask his monotony.  From punch lines to overall cleverness, Flux’s intelligible flow is quite delightful over the dynamic range of production.  He gets deep on “It’s Gotta Go,” touching on a few hot button issues without even a hint of pretension.  Dominic Deadbeat’s cuts on this one set it off, making it one of the stand-out tracks of the project.

Scenic Exchange chronicles the many life changes this MC experienced through the last year, which include a move to Denver and a new name (he was until recently known as INfluence). Rather than stress riddled or homesick AG’s confidence and sure-footedness is apparent, speaking to this MCs maturity and skill level.  As the third release in Black Mask’s three album solo series, Scenic Exchange provides the perfect amount of closure while also forcing their next move to be that much bigger."

Written by Nicole Cormier @ Hiphoprollcall.com