Is it really that difficult or expensive to find a run-down neighborhood to shoot a hip-hop video in these days, or did Vital Films simply want to keep the focus of “The Edge” on the song itself? The desolate CG urban backdrop is reminiscent of New Jack City after Nino Brown took over the Carter and every Neo/Agent Smith fight scene in The Matrix trilogy. The skillful performances are the main attraction here: two concise, contemplative verses from Zumbi and The Grouch lovingly slathered over the ARE’s Curtis Mayfield-sampling head nodder. Yes Virginia, there are still MCs worth checking out.

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