Well established (if perpetually underground) artists, golden state natives Rasco and Planet Asia have been cranking out solid, straight-forward hip-hop since the mid-1990s. Rasco is probably best known for his '98 album Time Waits For No Man (and the single "Unassisted"), while Asia went from subterranean favorite to signing with Interscope, then back to the indie scene after sitting on the shelf for a few years. Though both are intimidating solo emcees, there's something about putting the two together where the sum is greater than the total of its parts. Like other great duos (Erick and Parrish, Prodigy and Havoc, Daz and Kurupt), they just sound better on the same track, bringing out the best in each other and exhibiting a chemistry that truly shines. Their second release as Cali Agents, 2004's Head of the State still bangs with the hard beats and sharp lyricism we've come to expect. Rhymes center around bravado, partying, and West coast pride, with production handled by Vin Roc, Architect, and Champ! Check the synthy single "Cali Nights," chime-heavy "Rawrap," and aptly-titled "Banger."