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Planet Asia delivers the final installment of The Medi-Cali Trilogy. Following up The Sickness and The Diagnosis, which were released earlier this year, The Medicine is anticipated to cure any post-anxiety.

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The Medicine builds up like a play, starting off with a little background, as in “Get Active.” Planet Asia gets people up to speed with his life and chants words of encouragement with Krondon and Phil Da Agony. The deep-hitting bass keeps you anticipating some serious drama.

The perfect cruisin’ song, “All the Names,” is best played at high volumes with windows down. The thumping beat, with a Lil’ Wayne sample, blends smoothly with Planet Asia’s freestyle-esque lyrics; “This ain’t pro-Black, yo, this is a Black pro.”

With Philly’s finest, A.K.A. Black Thought, West coast meets East coast on “Over Your Head.” Evidence, producer of the entire album, might have given birth to the most frightening beat of all time. Black Thought’s dark and mysterious vocals definitely don’t lighten the mood. But don’t be spooked, this track is fresh.

Planet Asia was obviously inspired by the raw emotion of that Method Man and Mary J. track, “You’re All I Need To Get By.” Planet Asia has rekindled the fire with “In Love,” an updated version featuring the amazing voice of Jonell.

“That’s On Me” is a shoulder-poppin’ ballad about people forgetting their roots after gaining some fortune and fame. Planet Asia continues to represent Fresno in “On Your Way 93076.” Evidence’s attempt at restoring the 80’s vibe, actually ends up sounding more futuristic than it does retro.

Prodigy (of Mobb Deep) is infamous for his gritty voice and, equally, gritty lyrics. The unlikely pairing of the theatrical and funky beat in “Stick & Move” and Prodigy’s raw style will, no doubt, grab your attention. 

The spirituality, musicology, and pop culture embedded within “Old Timer Thoughts,” is incomparable to anything else on The Medicine. It’s the ultimate sensation of nostalgia, beat and lyrical content, that makes this track so enjoyable. The Medicine wraps up with “Dilated Agents,” featuring Planet Asia’s other half, Rasco (of Cali Agents), Rakaa (of Dilated Peoples), and Evidence (on the mic).

After listening to Planet Asia, either loving him or hating him (and nothing in between), no one can deny that he has always remained consistent with his style. He doesn’t switch-it-up to please anyone, creating his distinct voice in hip-hop.

Download:  “All the Names” “Over Your Head” “In Love” “Old Timer Thoughts”

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