By Kimberly Turner
Oct 21, 2007 - 9:19 PM

I thought the term “junk science” was just something Bill O’Reilly used when referring to Al Gore’s campaign on global warming, but it’s a legit phrase. Webster’s New Millennium Dictionary defines junk science as a term for faulty scientific data created for financial or political gain. However, this Brooklyn hip-hop tag team composed of Baje One on the mic and Snafu on beats proves they are no snake oil salesmen with the release of their sophomore effort Gran’dad’s Nerve Tonic, on Embedded Music/Definitive Jux.

Unlike their more gaudy, bling ridden counterparts, Junk Science trade synthesizers and catchy dance hooks for a more organic, lo-fi sound. What the rhymes lack in material goods, they make up for in swagger and wit. Baje One focuses on the woes of regular folks with regular problems. You don’t hear anyone on the radio talking about bounced checks or the frustration of having a college degree and no health insurance. Hate your crappy low-wage paying job? Quit by using the helpful 10-step program outlined in “Jerry McGuire.” Baje One understands your struggle and is perhaps the only lyricist brave enough to explore the world of a broke JV high school basketball coach.

Complete with tambourines, organ notes, simple drum loops, and Baje One’s sedate tone, Junk Science isn’t exactly club fare and Gran’dad’s Nerve Tonic isn’t your ordinary beer. Please drink responsibly.

To hear tracks from the album and for more info, visit www.myspace.com/junksciencerap.

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Kimberly Turner is a 23-year-old graduate of San Francisco State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts and digging through the used CD bins at Rasputin Music. If she wasn't a journalist she'd be a pastry chef.