Theory Hazit (aka Thearthur Washington) was born in Kentucky and is now of Cincinnati, Ohio. He’s part of the Scribbling Idiots crew, but he’s learned some lessons on his path in life. Shit happens as they say and he says, “I wish I could go back and change a lot of things, but then I wouldn’t be able to help some of those in need.”

The way he “helps” is by putting together a set of 15 tracks that’s as far from the blue grass of Kentucky as you can get. Urban tales rooted in his love of cartoons as a kid and listening to his Uncle’s funk records when his mum was living it up on the town. It all come together for him when he heard the Old School Hip-Hip anthem, ‘Rappers Delight’ and as a ‘Ghetto’ kid and he’s come out positive message backed by a big bag of beats.

This is very much in the field of the new wave following on from Madlib, Dilla, Common along with Mr. J and Domer

With admirers like Hi-Tek and Fat Jon this is today’s ‘underground’. Not ‘cos it’s difficult or anything like that. Rawkus’ Marco Polo or Kidz In The Hood are not difficult, they’re just genuine in need of some exposure. Like ‘Emit Gninrut’ on this album, no idea what it’s about but it’s a beat.

Theory Hazit loves his soul as ‘I Just Wanna Come Home’ will resonate with anyone who has taken a wrong path in life and who loves deep strings and harps. ‘Decisions’ is another R&B meets hip hop and strings slash Curtis Mayfield; you know the vibe.

Back in front of the TV, ‘Dumb Dunces’ (with K-Drama) mixes a cartoon theme imagery with a rap battle; “I’m a cross between Screetch and Slater minus the Activator”. Not the hard knocks of Skrein, but the ‘Extra Credit’ is deserved. How can something so simple sound so good? And again on ‘T Minus Ten’, ‘I.O.U’ and ‘After School Special’.

He raps about the streets and there’s quite a lot about being a kid of a lone parent, being an estranged Dad and such things. Whether that’s led him to find solace in God (like ‘Just Another Day’), who knows but I’m more than prepared to celebrate the Lord ‘Lesson In Power’. It’s the opening track and I’ve not heard anything like it since Tye ‘Mighty Long Way’ Tribbett. “Do not be ashamed by the power of God”, clap your hands and sing at the top of your voice.”

Theory Hazit’s War may be from his own micro perspective, but it’s got worldwide relevance. Extra Credit is another really solid non-stereotypical hip hop album without any big name mates with a ‘Lesson In Power’. Praise be.

Hectic Mix nominations: ‘Lesson In Power’, ‘Emit Gninrut’, ‘Extra Credit’, ‘I Just Wanna Come Home’, ‘Dumb Dunces’

Reviewed: Theory Hazit — Extra Credit (Superrappin) Cat. No.gap104-2) Release date: 30th July 2007
Tracklisting
1. “Lesson In Power”
2. “Gossip Synopsis”
3. “Mrs Hazit”
4. “Emit Guinrut (Turning Time)”
5. “I Just Wanna Go Home” feat. KaBOOM
6. “Dumb Dunces” (feat K Drama)
7. “Extra Credit”
8. “Hello Kiddeez”
9. “T-Minus Ten”
10. “After School Special” (feat Sojourn & JustMe)
11. “IOU” (feat Braille)
12. “Another Day”
13. “Decisions” (feat Sivion & Holmskillit)
14. “Out With A Bang” (feat Sharlok Poems)
15. “Ghetto”

Links:
www.myspace.com/theoryhazit : Hip hop producer, DJ & MC from Winchester, Kentucky, US.
www.theoryhazit.com
www.hiphopismusic.com
www.myspace.com/hhismusic
www.scribblingidiots.com
www.tyetribbettworldwide.com
Gilles Peterson :: Tracklisting 24/10/04 :: Box Of Delights
13, The Platinum Pied Pipers — ‘Stay With Me’ (Ubiquity)
16, Declaime — ‘Song In D Minor’ (Up Above)
19, Mos Def — ‘The Rape Over’ (Geffen)
24, Tye Tribbett & G.A. — ‘Mighty Long Way’ (Columbia)
Fat City for Taggy Matcher — ‘Rappoors Delaught’ b/w Inst (Stix)