Speaker Minds, Gumbo Grooves (Self-Released)

[HIP-HOP] Portland's rap scene is notoriously isolated, but Speaker Minds, a seven-piece hip-hop group, has the potential to bring it to the forefront of the city's collective consciousness. The group includes multiple vocalists—MCs as well as singers—with guitars, drums, bass and keys, blending elements of funk, soul and social activism. The band's greatest musical strengths come from rapper Randal Wyatt and singer Adrian Adel. Wyatt's enunciation is as populist as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and his lyrics are as socially aware as the Roots' How I Got Over. "Blow My High" attacks specifics inequalities, like the lack of universal health care, whereas "Get Involved" is a more general call for community involvement. While mainstream rappers tend to bring in a different pop star to contribute a hook on each single, Adel serves as the pre-eminent vocalist throughout Gumbo Grooves. Her presence is felt in verses and choruses, in the foreground and background. But as a group, Speaker Minds is as comfortable with searing guitar solos ("Loose Limbs") as it is with synthy funk ("Break Laws"). Its versatility, danceability and insight make for a complete LP, but also hints at the positive changes afoot for Portland hip-hop. HILARY SAUNDERS.

SEE IT: Speaker Minds plays Star Theater, 13 NW 6th Ave., with Farnell Newton & the Othership Connection and Craig Irby Jr., on Friday, Jan. 8. 9 pm. $12 advance, $15 day of show. 21+.

Willamette Week