12 to 6 Movement release new video with Sadat X, prepare new collaboration-filled album.

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Local hip-hop collective The 12 to 6 Movement recently unveiled the video for its new song "Can't Be Done," which features legendary Brand Nubian rapper Sadat X. This is just one of many high-profile collaborations off of the group's upcoming, as yet untitled album that is due for release in October. Other national rappers confirmed for the record include Raekwon, Bubba Sparxxx, Planet Asia, and Keith Murray (a previously released song with Killah Priest might also be included). These verses didn't come cheap, but the group feels the investment is worth the money. "Talent is only going to get you so far," says Spark1duh?, who along with Ser Lesson of Forty 'til Five and JusTime of The Treez comprises The 12 to 6 Movement. "We relied on talent for so long without the effects that we desired. And now we've decided to step it up a notch, really dig deep and really put money behind what we're doing."

Pooling resources is nothing new for 12 to 6. One of the first things the group did when forming in the middle of last decade was to share the contact info for their trusted beat-makers and DJs amongst themselves. All three of them being veteran rappers, 12 to 6 had built up plenty of connections. JusTime in particular had long-standing friendships with Jason "Jay-E" Epperson and Koko, both of whom produced several hits for Nelly. The group spun this relationship to their advantage; Jay-E and Koko produced all but two or so songs from the upcoming album (the tracklist is still being finalized). Spark1duh? grew up with musicians of a different breed. His old skateboard buddy Dan Marsala of Story of the Year and The Fuck Off And Die's sang on one song, and the group plans to collaborate with him on a few more tracks. Gena, Bullets and Octane vocalist Gene Louis and ex-Bullets and Octane guitarist James Grossenheider are also slated to appear.

All of this outside talent should bring out the best in 12 to 6. The group's chemistry has steadily improved with each release to the point where they are now pros at crafting party-starting boom-bap that boasts clever similes and catchy choruses. Although they can handle serious songs well, 12 to 6 is most in its element spinning yarns about sex, drugs and rap life. But for all the fun their characters have, the members of 12 to 6 have put a lot of work and funds into this project, which Spark1duh? promises to be their most ambitious yet: "I can't say I'm gonna quit if nothing really comes out of this," he says, "but I think it's better better to fuckin' put all the eggs in one basket and just fuckin' go hard."