Urban.

The Urban Sophisticates are legit.

I've said this for a long time, but now it's official. They gave the first of several album release shows Friday night at Greene Street here in town, and it was ridiculous. All of their music has been entertaining up to this point, but their new record "Classic Material" will undoubtedly get them the attention they deserve from the major labels.

Friday's show started off strong, with the seven member band joined on-stage by an entourage of about four of their friends, breakin' it down and jumping to the music. Urban pumped up the audience by mixing in several new songs with some of the old favorites, like "Greene Street" (of course), and "Breakups", and really got the crowd involved when they played what is sure to be a future hit single, "First of the Drinks".

The songs they played off "Classic Material" had more of a true hip-hop sound than their older music, which came with a jazzy/rock vibe. However, they managed to keep it original with tastes of their unique horn section still incorporated in the mix and in the right places.

Urban is set to tour up and down the east coast in the coming weeks to promote their new record. If you haven't seen them yet, catch a show, and check 'em out at www.myspace.com/theurbansophisticates. If you have, go again, because they're sure to bring a different and better show everytime.

"Classic Material" will be available after September 29, and until then, you'll see me bumping the two songs I already have in my car, so watch out...

Drew.