Prolyphic and Reanimator is composed of MC Prolyphic and producer Reanimator. The duo got together at the suggestion of indie hip-hop icon Sage Francis. It appears as though the making of The Ugly Truth was fraught with difficulty. Several crashed computers, slews of re-recordings and remixes made the release of this album three years in the making.

Because it took a long time to complete The Ugly Truth, it comes as no surprise that Prolyphic needs to vent. Almost every one of the fifteen tracks is dripping with Polyphic's emotionalism. Fortunately, his anger doesn't call for semi-automatic weapons and bulletproof vests. Prolyphic has a terrific voice and a wonderful sense for constructing catchy choruses. And the opener "Broken Bottles" kills, thanks to the Reanimator's beats. Sonically, this album is dark and gritty, but in no way melodramatic. Producer Reanimator walks a fine line between commercial and indie hip-hop while still maintaining that catchy appeal.

The lyrics are introspective. Lines like "Cats thinking with an hourglass/ and hand in the quicksand/ I'm just sinking/ Drinking hand fills, with this/ Dry spell oasis" have a deliberate and poetic flavor. Despite the angst-ridden atmosphere, Prolyphic has some interesting and eloquent things to say about society.

This album is full of guest appearances. The track "Dick and Jane," featuring female MC Marcomantics, takes an intelligent stab at American obesity, blandness and gullibility. In "Survived Another Winter" Sage Francis, Alias and B. Dolan present the most radio friendly track on album, with well-placed sound effects and layered vocals.

The Ugly Truth is long for a debut, running just under an hour, but that hour won't disappoint for those looking for a reprieve from the mass-produced hip hop.