Planet Asia
Black Belt Theatre
(Wandering Worx)

With an album title like Black Belt Theatre you already feel like it has to be a kick-ass project. But it’s more like riding shotgun in a tricked-out convertible, vibing out to some dope sounds. Nevertheless, Cali-bred rapper Planet Asia (born Jason Green) gets his point across quite nicely in his latest release.

Black Belt Theatre pays homage to Asia’s love for Kung Fu movies, so the overall production and vibe is deep in bravado and introspection. Featuring a grab bag full of cameos by Talib Kweli, Raekwon, Paul Wall, Camp Lo as well as other underground emcees like Fashawn, Willie The Kid, Rasco and Chace Infinite, Black Belt Theatre is a solid blend of Asia’s skills mixed with fellow veteran rappers and newer artists in the game.

Recommended spins include “Grown Folks Talkin’,” “All Mine,” “Furniture,” “Bruce Lee” and “Classical.”