MSTRKRFT's Fist of God

© MSTRKRFT

MSTRKRFT moved into the mainstream in 2009 with Fist of God.

Three years after the release of The Looks, MSTRKRFT raked extra kudos with the '09 spring release entitled Fist of God. The subject of both ridicule and praise for it's innovative presence of metal and hip-hop, both critics and underground airplay helped this Canadian pair make headlines with their sophomore effort. While JFK and Al-P prove they can tear the roof off any dive, nightclub or fest rage tent, fans were overjoyed with the release of new material, the foundation that fueled MSTRKRFT's monstrosity and gained the duo some crossover love that pushed them into the 2009 mainstream.

With the leak of "B.O.U.N.C.E.," the first single off Fist, it was clear these deck MSTRs were playing with layers of synths, foul guitar riffs and  nasty beats to create a happy medium. The N.O.R.E.-featured single only further identified the MSTRKRFT name with the chain smoking and whiskey, doting a whiplash of a chorus: "All I do is party/ So bounce low, bounce high."

To both the surprise of the mainstream and underground worlds, it was Fist's upbeat jazz-flavored "Heartbreaker" that would turn the much buzzed follow-up into a crossover. The cameo of Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter John Legend's vocals earned the jam airplay on radio stations throughout the country, as the vowel-less two-man-wrecking crew made its way up the charts.

Working to balance the record, and often tipping the scales into rock/rage, the appropriately coined "1,000 Cigarettes" and "Fist of God" bled hard rock in all the right places. Even with guests like E-40, Lil' Mo and Ghostface Killah, Fist was able to maintain its tech-heavy composure while still seeming excitingly experimental.

With mixed reviews all across the board, Fist of God still earns Rum Bum's well-deserved shoutout for one of the best club banger albums of '09. Besides, there ain't no party like a MSTRKRFT party, and we're already halfway out the door.