The self proclaimed, 'Bob Dylan of rap' is one grimy lyricist. It's played out to automatically compare white emcees to Eminem but Matock certainly reminds you of an early Marshall Mathers.

With wordplay out of the top drawer that's crafted so perfectly it would be easy to disregard the standard of it's delivery, however Matlock's use of multis and more than impressive breath control demonstrates that his flow is straight out of that same drawer of his lyricism. It's a delight to hear a rapper just enjoy themsleves. Listen to The Moonshine LP. From hearing Matlock drop his first words to the energetic old school beat of Liven It UP, 'Fuck you! Microphone check, 1, 2...' You can't help but smile and not stop 'till long after the outro of the album.

'Morty Goldstein' made a name for himself through his native Chi' Town underground and battle scene. He performed all over Chicago and, with his crew Family Jewels, independently dropped two compilations. The first was on cassette, Crazy Artist Type in 1999 which was followed by Paradise Lost in 2001.

Matlock went onto sign for Gravel Records where he dropped the record Moonshine. The song was an autobiography of his life and it's hard to find the words to describe how great...No, how epic it is. I'm sure with his way with words, Matlock could. Just listen.

Some of Matlock's songs are let down musically with a lack of a producer up to the standard of the emcee. This disappointment can easily be overlooked nevertheless, as you can get lost in the words. He can also tell vivd stories and comment on socilal realties. In Music Box he tells three separate stories that are put together and delivered so excellently you have no choice but to listen closely to every word.

The Chicago rapper defintely shines at his best when he's clowning around with his charismatic style. It's not only the verses that are gold but he is capable of rustling up a good, catchy hook too. An amusing example would be on I'm A Thief. Matlock sings in his easily distinguishable grizzly vocals to the tune of Destiny Child's Independent Women, 'My pen and my notebook, I stole it!/ Beyonce where's your hook? I stole it!/ I guess I'm just a crook, I stole it!/ I'm a fucking thief and you know it!'

Matlock is now on his own label, FLY PIG Records, releasing a mix tape in 2008, Matlock Hates You, and is currently recording his next album, 2707. If I've not convinced you of this hip hop artist's genius then This Music would be a great place to start. The third verse is just a straight list of musical influences on his career, from Lord Finesse to Neil Young, to Big Pun to Jimi Hendrix. If you can't respect that verse then you've no place here!

Listen here:

Matlock - Moonshine