Professor At Large

There's a lot to be learned from Large Professor - how to produce, how to rhyme, how to cultivate new talent, how to stay creative and consistent for decades. The passing years only increase his legendary status - as a major collaborator with Main Source, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, etc. - while re-confirming his originality with each new project. So what's on the syllabus for the Professor's latest class? In his own words: "taking it back to the B-boy uprock style." His latest masterwork Professor @ Large drops June 26 on Fat Beats Records. Large's impeccable craftsmanship shines on each of the 15 songs, many of them at upbeat park jam tempos. Whether he's spitting hard with MOP's Lil Fame, dropping an ill instrumental, or casting his wizened gaze out of the kaleidoscopic cover art, Large Pro is always smooth, on point and uniquely himself. In addition to Lil Fame, the album features a connoisseur's selection of fine MCs: Busta Rhymes reminiscing in double-time on "Straight from the Golden"; Cormega and Tragedy Khaddafi bringing the streets on "Focused Up"; Mic Geronimo and Grand Daddy IU keeping cool on "Mack Don Illz"; and Cormega, Saigon, Roc Marciano and Action Bronson comprising the stunning "M.A.R.S" - easily the best posse cut of 2012. In a classy move, Large Pro gives Marco Polo the album's only production guest spot on the title track.