Blowfly

It's a sure sign that an album is nasty when it takes a strong stomach just to review it. Miami-bred rapper Blowfly's latest release, Live at the Platypussery, is just that type of hilariously crass disc. It was recorded live in Melbourne, Australia, and it's full of funny yet crude lyrics that make Blowfly seem like a dirty-minded first-grader sitting in the back of the classroom telling jokes. On first listening to the 19 tracks on this album, you'll do more than a few double-takes and ask yourself, "Did he just say that?" Of course he did. That's what makes the 63-year-old dirty rapper an icon within filth-rock circles, and it's what gives the caped crusader an audience in which to spew his hip-hop vitriol. The fact that Blowfly (born Clarence Reid) likes to rap about wet pussy, old pussy, fat pussy, and smelly pussy is not news. What's clever, however, is the way Blowfly takes already established standards on this disc and turns them into his own freaky-deaky platforms. Sam and Dave's "Soul Man" becomes "Hole Man." The Clash's "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" turns into "Should I Fuck This Big Fat Ho?" The jokes never stop, and songs like "Pussy Hell" and "R. Kelly in Cambodia" will satisfy your craving for slapstick comedy. What shouldn't be overlooked is the tight musicianship. Most of these kinky covers are played letter-perfect, and Blowfly's 45-year reign as one of the most creative songwriters in South Florida music remains intact. There's plenty of wit thrown into these compositions, and once your gag reflex subsides, dissect these songs properly and you'll find genius below the surface.