New Jersey born, New York City based MC Paul Barman first caught the attention of the hip-hop world a decade ago when he arrived (seemingly out of nowhere) with his Prince Paul (Stetsasonic, De La Soul, A Prince Among Thieves, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Souls of Mischief etc.)-produced It's Very Stimulating EP, which won critical praise and instantly cemented his place as an unabashedly nerdy hip-hopper. A most clever wordsmith, he was labeled by some as a thinking man's emcee. And while his unique lyrical style may not have been every rap fan's cup of tea, he won respect for not fronting, just being himself, and for tackling topics not addressed by your average rapper.

He also won the respect of many hip-hop artists and over the years has collaborated with such acts as MF DOOM, Deltron 3030, Masta Ace, and has toured with such acts as Blackalicious and Del tha Funky Homosapien, who is one of the many guests on his new album, Thought Balloon Mushrooom Cloud (Househusband). The album, which touches on such topics as sampling, owls, AIDS, and circumcision, is the self-described "Jewish atheist'"s first official release since 2002's album Paullelujah!. I recently caught up with the artist to talk about Thought Balloon Mushroom Cloud and some of the new rhyme styles unveiled on this recommended new album.

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As with all projects he undertakes, the ever-creative Prince Paul did an amazing job on the above short movie which was "written, produced, arranged, scored & hustled" by the producer. He first came to fame in the 80's / early 90's as a member of Stetsasonic, and a producer for both 3rd Bass' debut and most notably De La Soul's debut, plus their two subsequent albums. Since then he has collaborated with a myriad of artists, including Dan the Automator on the concept project The Handsome Boy Modeling School.

The film clip above was all part of the high concept album of the same name which tells the story of an aspiring young emcee named Tariq who has to get money to record his demo tape before a meeting with RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. The tale unfolds as Tariq and his friend True (played by rapper Big Sha) hustle drugs and encounter a police ambush, incarceration, and a deadly showdown.

Prince Among Thieves (the artist's second solo record) didn't get nearly the level of attention it deserved when it came out ten years ago. It features Kool Keith, Del La Soul, Big Daddy Kane, Chubb Rock, Sadat X, Xzibit, Everlast, and others, and is well worth seeking out on CD, vinyl, VHS or DVD.