Impressive beats and dirty lyrics

It started with a couple of guys who were nuts about beats.

Now Lester Fernandez and Jerry Tineo are seven albums deep and respected by both the underworld and commercial hip-hop.

Tonight, The Beatnuts will perform in the SUB Ballroom.

The duo said doing shows on college campuses is an old habit.

"We do our share of college shows annually," Fernandez said in an e-mail interview. "All college shows are one big party. The money ain't bad either."

Known for their impressive beats and dirty lyrics, the two have worked with Naughty By Nature, Method Man and Fat Joe.

The Beatnuts just released its latest album Milk Me, which features Rahzel, Greg Nice and Prince Whipper Whip from the Fantastic 5.

The Beatnuts was once a threesome, including Berntony Smalls, but he dropped out of the group in the mid -90's and became a Muslim.

Like most underground artists, the group doesn't enjoy the promotional side of the business.

"It's been grueling, but it's something we have to do," Tineo said. "We like to keep it to the music, but when you play the game, you have to be on all sides of the field."

On Wednesday the duo ended the European leg of its tour.

"Europe is a lot better than the States when it comes to shows," Fernandez said. "I think they appreciate the shows more."

He said the European hip-hop scene has a little more depth as well.

"They are more passionate about the music," he said.

Fernandez and Tineo said they appreciate artists who keep it real. They added they don't have tolerance for beat jackers.

Their infamous disdain for Jennifer Lopez started when she sampled a flute beat from The Beatnuts' song "Watch Out Now," on her hit "Jenny From the Block."

When The Beatnuts performed in Albuquerque, Tineo dissed Lopez on stage. Again on Milk Me, the duo's ill feelings are apparent.

The Beatnuts' manager, Henley Halem, said the group had no comment about the incident.

The last time The Beatnuts were in Albuquerque, Fernandez was absent because of a family emergency.

This time, The Beatnuts promise a full set.

The Beatnuts

SUB Ballroom

Tonight at 8pm

$10 for students, $15 for public925-5858