The Polyrhythm Addicts were born in 1999, just as hip-hop was turning the corner into an era that was less about lyrics and truth. When Mr. Complex brought DJ Spinna and Shabaam Sahdeeq together he had only intended to drop one track for a Japanese compilation. That single, "Not Your Ordinary," was so popular, it spurred the group into recording their debut album Rhyme Related. Fast forward to 2006 and after label changes, personal shifts and growth, the group reformed to record a long awaited sophomore release. “Right now, hip-hop’s in an emergency,” says Sahdeeq. “We think it can still be saved. All you gotta do is just break the emergency glass and it’s right there.”

The Polyrhythm Addicts return now with scorching new member Tiye Phoenix, who has recently been garnering innumerable accolades for her beat making abilities as well as fierce lyrical delivery from the likes of Allhiphop.com, Scratch magazine and more. Break Glass… guarantees a return to the time when flow and beats actually mattered, yet sees the group maturing both artistically and emotionally from their debut. The beats are more raw, with less keyboard overdubs and more of a focus on the classic boom-bap style. In addition, the album employs a mix of beats and live musicians to beef up the sound. Pharaohe Monch lends his skills to the mic on “Reachin”, while Phonte of Little Brother brings classic hip-hop flavor to “It’s My Life.” The record also boasts contributions from Planet Asia and many others, bringing together a diverse blend of creativity. “There still is a receptivity amongst the people for hip-hop to veer off in a new direction,” says Phoenix. “I think it’s what everybody is feeling like they are missing from hip-hop. Honest rhymes. Honest beats. And that pure love for the art form.”