IN ESSENCE

IN ESSENCE The Master Plan (BMG) Rating: NNN

Rating: NNN

Legendary New York DJ Funkmaster Flex first heard this Toronto crew in 98 and signed them immediately to a management deal that placed them with BMG. Their first full-length album, The Master Plan, finds the group using their soaring harmonies to full advantage over R&B, soul, hiphop and tribal rhythms. Steering clear of gangsta clich&eacutes, In Essence instead favour socially conscious, positive messages, as evinced by their impressive single Friend Of Mine.