by Matt ConawayRasco wastes not a second of his debut solo LP, Time Waits for No Man. The Solefather's commanding rhyme style is unleashed with the precision of a drill sergeant. And although he represents the West Coast, there is a distinct East Coast vibe prevalent throughout. Rasco showcases his nasty mic prowess over floating piano riffs and booming drum loops, while even resurrecting the forgotten art of scratching. With the standout title cut, Rasco divides mic duties with fellow West Coast underground phenom Encore over an imposing track from up-and-coming producer Paul Nice. On "Bits & Pieces," Rasco crowns himself "the first year rookie that be killing the pros." In addition, "Major League" is a West Coast cipher killer featuring guest vocals from Likwit crew family members Defari and Dilated Peoples. With "View to a Kill," Rasco flaunts his narrative abilities. "Hip Hop Essentials" is a state of emergency inquisition that addresses hip hop's studio gangsta mafioso mentality with brutal honesty. With no major label throwing huge promotion dollars anywhere near his vicinity, Rasco is forced to do things the old fashioned way: word of mouth. His engaging debut runs rings around the consistently hyped big budget cats whose faces are plastered over every magazine imaginable.