Welcome to the 'Jungle'

They're almost like a Wu-Tang Clan of the suburbs. Athletic Mic League, a tight group of seven from Ann Arbor, Mich., have released its follow-up to 2002's Sweats and Kicks. However, just because AML's in close proximity to Detroit, don't expect raunchy outlandish lyrics like many of Detroit's biggest names, because Jungle Gym Jungle is a very smooth listen. No group from "Ace Deuce" could ever really get too dark or desperate since guns and violence are usually unheard of, but the music scene has always thrived.\nJungle Gym Jungle sounds mostly East Coast-influenced, with many songs sounding akin to A Tribe Called Quest or other old school right coast acts ("Take 'Em High" featuring Funktelligence, "Team Player 2," "Promised Land"). "Team Player 2" sounds like an attempt to crack some hip-hop/R&B club charts, comparing ladies to scouting NBA talent: "Asked her for her name, age and where she went to school/cuz I don't draft underclassmen." But other beats like "Whatchuknow" (with a little Kanye West feel to it) and "Lasersteps" keep the album sounding fresh. \nOne of the most striking things about AML is not only its collective skill, but an unwavering love for hip-hop itself. Because of this, Jungle Gym Jungle should be one of indie-rap's hottest albums of the year, not only in the Midwest, but across America.