Baby - Birdman, Camron - Come Home With Me, C-lo Green - C-Lo Green and His Perfect Imperfections, Daz - The Last of the Pound, Eminem - The Eminem Show, Fabolous - Street Dreams, Jay-Z - Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse, Jay-Z/R.Kelly - The Best of Both Worlds, Ja-Rule - The Last Temptation, Fat Joe - Loyalty, KRS-One - Spiritual Minded, Talib Kweli - Quality, Lyricist Lounge - Underground Airplay Vol. 1, Nas - God's Son, The Roots - Phrenology, Erick Sermon - React, Slum Village - Trinity: Past, Present, Future, Snoop Dogg - Paid tha Cost to be Da Boss, Styles P - A Gangsta and a Gentleman, Various Artists - Soundbombing Vol. 3

Baby - Birdman

Release Date: November 25th, 2002

This album is so weak, I got emotionally mad after listening to 3 downloaded tracks. I am confident that everybody over 21 will co-sign the fact that the Birdman LP is for the Birds. Even the industry friendly magazines and media shows will agree that this album is trash. It's immature and incoherent trash, music that is bad for "the game". It's not worth the bootleg or the download. In fact bootleggers are not even messing with this cause it ain't selling. Baby is still going to appear as a guest on other rappers albums and in their videos cause he is getting a lot of exposure right now. Media likes him cause of his wealth and dope cars but that doesn't stop the fact that his music is trash. Buy this if you want a new Frisbee. Nuff Said!

Camron- Come Home With Me

Release Date: March 14th, 2002

If it isn't already, this CD could go platinum just because of the controversy Nas created by saying it was whack on the radio. Of course Camron was livid and he has a right to be, because the album is not whack BUT on the other hand I would not purchase it either. In my humble opinion, whack means that there are no decent tracks or the other tracks are just awful. So whack is a little bit of a harsh word. Camron not only samples a lot of popular beats he also samples lyrics. His samples include heavyweights like DMX, Tupac, Slick Rick, etc. That's way too much, especially when you consider that he has guest appearances by other artist like his one time nemesis and now label mate Jay- Z, Jim Jones and too many others to keep up with. Add in some unoriginal skits and amateur track preludes, and it amounts to the fact that he should have waited longer if he didn't have enough material to come out without recycling other popular tracks or needing the assistance of so many other artist. He has 15 total tracks, 3 of them good, and of the good, two of them are assisted because they are commercial radio friendly (and there is probably some payola involved in that but I digress). Unless you are weeded up, you will probably f-fwd most of this album but "Oh Boy", "Welcome to New York City", and 1 other track I wont name here, are hits. In conclusion Come Home With Me is not whack cause the 3 songs I like are strong but you will do more fast forwarding than you will rewinding. Even the commercial friendly reviews at launch give it a 60 out of 100. This is a download so save ya money anything worth hearing on here is on the radio.

Cee-Lo -Cee-Lo Green & His Perfect Imperfections

Release Date: March 19th, 2002

I recall the first time I heard Cee-Lo, it was on Outkast's first album (on the song "Git Up, Git Out"), and even then he shined. Possibly the tightest East Coast MC south of the Mason Dixon line, and probably the most slept on, Cee-Lo's solo debut is accurately titled. It is full of things imperfect, yet perfect in their intention to be that way. If you expected to hear Cee-Lo rhyme all album, or you don't listen to a wide variety of music, and don't like a little rock and some electric guitars; then this album will likely be too eclectic for you (and you should probably pass). I wasn't even sure what category I should review this album under but I went with rap because that was what most people would recognize Cee-Lo as. In addition to the rock influences there are a number of somewhat funky tracks, that I can't quite classify and maybe I shouldn't try to. I always give credit for originality/creativity and pushing the envelope, and maybe that is why Cee-Lo sometimes misses on this album. The bright spots don't necessarily outnumber the misses but they certainly outweigh them. Cee-Lo lays to rest the idea that Southern rappers can't get it done lyrically, mainly on "Big Ole Words (Damn!)" because a high percentage of this album is him singing. Outside of that there are a number of other winners on the album, such as "Young Man", "Gettin Grown", "Under The Influence (Follow Me)", "Country Love", "Live", and "Sugar Baby" but that's out of 17 tracks. Probably the best description of this album is the 'Outro (last interlude), when someone asks Cee-Lo Green "well damn Lo, what don't you do" - good question.

Daz - The Last of Tha Pound

I found a blank CD in the barbershop. I could not tell what had been recorded on it. I got it home and found out that it was Daz Dillinger. He is supposed to be really hot right now, with a new RADIO SHOW and a new album. His radio show is scheduled to premiere this summer on Houston's KTHT Hot97.1. Daz noted that this new radio show will expose new artist and that he and his crew will be visiting different neighborhoods to record songs with new artist. I wish he would hurry up. Maybe one of those new artist can write some lyrics for him. This album was pure trash. The best tracks are the ones which other artist appear on the tracks like Nas, Foxy, and Kurupt. After 4 listens I turned it into a UFO. But UFO's are more believable than this album.

Eminem- The Eminem Show

Release Date: May 26th, 2002

Curtains up, The Eminem Show is in town, and this Album is just that. A show that much to the chagrin of many people, Eminem is a lot more than a "white rapper gimmick" created by Dr.Dre. Eminem already occupies an awkward space in Hip-Hop, simply by his skin color and popularity but it's obvious he recognizes that and has found comfort in it. On cuts like "White America" Eminem bites the hand that feeds him, chastising white parents for their double standards about hip-hop, as well as spitting venom at critics and censors, while on cuts like "Without Me" he muses about how he isn't the first to get rich doing "black music" citing Elvis as an example. In addition to his little spat with the FCC sensors Eminem spits insults at a number of his other enemies including an assortment of rappers (Canibus), alternative rockers (Moby, Limp Bizkit, etc ), pop-figures, his Ex-Wife, and other family members. But The Eminem Show is more than Eminem's usual bizarre tirades and shock therapy raps, ultimately what takes this album to the next level is that it is surprisingly insightful and plays like a diary, touching on almost every area of his very public recent life, from his divorce; to his terrible relationship with his estranged mother (and absentee father) on "Cleaning Out My Closet", his arrest and conviction on "Say Goodbye to Hollywood"; and his relationship with his daughter on "Hailie's Song". The Eminem Show also offers a window into dysfunction in middle American families on tracks like "Sing For the Moment", almost like the movie American Beauty, on headphones. And it certainly can't hurt to have producers like Dr. Dre and Timbaland working on your album. Many people have reservations about a "takeover" of hip-hop by whites, and if history is any indication then their suspicions are well founded, but after this album there should no longer be any doubt about Eminem's talent, uniqueness, and the fact that he indeed has a place in hip-hop.

Fabolous- Street Dreams

Release Date: March 4th, 2002

Street Dreams is a pretty accurate title for Fabolous' sophomore effort, which could have been the second disk of his first album, because as the title indicates this young man is still street dreaming. For the most part these dreams revolve around sexual intercourse (preferably oral), occasional drug dealing, material items (cars, planes, clothes) that few rappers can really afford, and Fabolous' other affliction - "throwback" sports jerseys. Despite the limitations in content, Fabolous does excel in an area that seems to be his strongpoint - "the relationship/club song". You know that song where the male rapper, in this case Fabolous, tries to convince some unwitting female how he "kind of loves her" as evidenced by how much money he spends on her. Of course he doesn't quite love her enough to marry her, stop seeing other women, or anything crazy like that, so being wifey will have to do. This time around "relationship/club song" successes include "Into You", "Can't Let Go", and "Trade it All Pt 2". Ultimately you won't find anything groundbreaking or innovative on Street Dreams but then again what did you expect. I don't find this album, or Fabolous' music in general, particularly inspiring or interesting but he's a lot less offensive than many of his peers so I'll cut him a break. If you're an adolescent who is still street dreaming yourself, then you may enjoy this album but if you've matured a little beyond that then you'll get a couple of entertaining singles out of this album and not much more.

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 2: The Gift and The Curse

Release Date: November 12th, 2002

This is Jay Z's most mature project to date. He is evolving as an artist. I almost fell out my seat when I heard him say on cd1, since September 11^th he can be known as "Jay Guevara" revising the name of Revolutionary Argentinean guerilla leader "Che Guevara". This is a pioneering work for J cause it is obvious that he is aware of the criticism of his work such as his misogyny and he attempts to address it and tone down his lyrics, his choruses are talking about "Ladies" not hoes and he even has a track dedicated to "Sistas" and he calls them just that, not bitch or hoe. Now we at least realize that he did care about the negative portrayals. Either that or Beyonce must be whispering in his ear. If anybody needs proof that he is dating Beyonce see CD 1 with the "excuse me" hook/chorus about the lady who blew him away or the other innuendo relating to a special lady on cd1. This "Gift and Curse" project is doing a lot of things that average ears and prior Jay worshippers may not be able to appreciate. He even manages to get at Jaz O, Nas, Nature and talk about the tabloid topics about him like the million dollar apt refusal and his guilty plea in the stabbing of producer Lance "Big Un" Rivera. It is hard to rate, double cd's cause they have more good tracks and more trash tracks and since only superstars release double cd's we assume that there will be more good stuff than bad. Such is the case here but there will be some stuff where you say aloud "I heard this already", is he holding the Biggie & 2pac catalog and there is some pop filler like his track with Lenny Kravitz and the others rapping on his album should have been absent. I liked this album cause it didn't have to grow on me, I did this review after hearing it a mere 2x, in fact I am going to actually buy it, so I don't have to listen only on my pc.

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 2: The Gift and The Curse

Overall: C+ :Review by Eyecalone

Jay-Z / R.Kelly The Best of Both Worlds

Release Date: March 19th, 2002

I should have known there was something wrong long before this album dropped. Anytime a self-proclaimed ex-drug czar can liken his musical union with an alleged pedophile, to a union between Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, something is afoul - even if it was hyperbole. The linking of two of the most powerful commercial forces, in Rap and R&B have come together in hopes of giving listeners what is the best of their respective fields, however a more accurate title for this album would have been the "Mediocre of the Same World". Ultimately Best of Both Worlds does very little except fulfill R.Kelly's dream of being a rapper. For most of the album R.Kelly engages in that increasingly annoying, half singing, half rapping thing he does so often nowadays. On tracks like "Green Light", "Honey", "Pussy" and "Hold Up" Kelly sing/rhymes about "bitches", "niggas", cars, "rims", and "pussys" with a fluidity that would make most rappers smile, at times "singing" whole verses from Jay-Z songs ("Take You Home With Me" uses Jay-Z's verse from "Ain't No Nigga" - Jay-Z/Foxy Brown), but if that wasn't enough he disses Sysqo at least 3 times on the album (a la Jay-Z Vs Nas). This album is saved from falling all the way into the abyss by cuts like "Streets" (Thanks to Jay-Z), "Naked" (R.Kelly solo), and "Get This Money" which will likely be a single and is almost sure to be a club success. However, the longer you listen, the more believable Jay-Z's claim that this album was put together in a couple of days sounds, as the superstar duo continues to falter with Trackmaster induced misses like "Somebody's Girl" and "Shorty". It seems that almost every track is a feeble, failed attempt to recapture the success of R.Kelly's "Fiesta" Remix that featured Jay-Z. Undoubtedly this album has been the victim of heavy bootlegging and deservedly so, because it is far beneath purchase standards, but unfortunately in the music market that has been created songs that are juvenile, ill-conceived, and ignorant - are commercial and tend to go platinum.

Fat Joe - Loyalty

Release Date: November 12th, 2002

Daddy-O from the legendary rap group Stetsasonic issued a worldwide challenge to rappers, MCs, or whatever they call themselves these days, to remove and denounce the names murder, violence, and ANY reference to drug dealing from their stages names, company names, and lyrics. He said "I'm naming names. ie; Fat Joe not Joey crack, Murder Inc. were Jewish gangsters from Brooklyn, not Jah Rule & Charlie Baltimore, etc." Anyway since he is clear about his position I am sure he would be disgusted by this album's lyrical content. Praises to John Gotti (who was a racist) and shout outs to the drug game lace this album. When he does offer relevant social commentary he does a decent job. In an already saturated climate of mediocrity from artist, Fat Joe joins the ranks although he does try to expand his arsenal of styles. The club jams should get this album to sell and get heads nodding, but outside of that, hit the "fwd" button cause there is not much here. Joe has more guest appearances on this album that one might expect but he is a better MC than this and he shouldn't need them. I can say that the Cd does get better as it goes on though. Ironically my favorite jam is his last one called "SH*T IS REAL PT.II", an authentic cut from his heart. Peep that cut, ya heard.

KRS One- Spiritual Minded

Release Date: January 22nd, 2002

For many Americans the trauma brought on by the events of 9/11/2001 have caused shifts in attitude and occasionally action, unfortunately in many cases, not necessarily for the better. To some degree Spiritual Minded is a perfect example of this. Titled and touted as an album based around "Spirituality" I was a little bit put off by the actual content of much of the album which was far more "Christian Minded" than anything else (that is okay so long as you make that clear ahead of time). On cuts like "The Struggle Continues", guest rapper T-Bone outright disparages several religions other than Christianity and "Trust" sends a message very close to one based around blind faith. At times I was wondering what happened to metaphysics and "Knowledge Rains Supreme Over Nearly Everybody", and is this the same man who penned thought provoking songs like "The Truth" and "The Real Holy Place" on previous albums? He even goes so far as to endorse "prayer in schools" on the album. I never thought I'd see the day when KRS-One would find himself seemingly aligned with the George Bush on anything. Don't get it completely twisted though, KRS-One still drops the science on more than enough topics, taking it right at the rap industry, and on tracks like "Ain't Ready" and "Know Thy Self" he does clarify some of his points, but I must admit some things still seemed a little inconsistent. In addition some of the production is rather lackluster and rhyme-wise I've heard better from the "Blastmaster". He still manages to round out the effort with headnodders like "Take Your Time", which offers advice for woman trying to avoid pimp-players-thugs and "Never Give Up" which features a chorus sung in Cantonese. Overall Spiritual Minded is worth checking out and is still a weapon in the fight against ignorance, but personally I think it's a major shuffle sideways if not a step backward socio-politically.

Talib Kweli - Quality

Release Date: November 19th, 2002

For any doubters out there, it is now official! Talib Kweli is a force in hip-hop. In music once can be a fluke, but twice is a pattern. This album is as good as the first one if not better, which is especially impressive because the bar was set so high with his debut Reflection Eternal. I used to be a little stuck on Kweli's voice but in a short time it has grown on me, and coupled with a signature delivery and top-notch lyrics, his flow has coalesced into one of the best in the industry - bar none! Talib Kweli may have carved out a niche for himself, as arguably hip-hop's smartest rapper but if you truly listen to Quality it's hard to argue that he is talking over people's heads. With Quality, Talib Kweli seems to have found that elusive balance between hip-hop that is political/conscious but not "preachy"; deeply soulful but not boring; and non-commercial but not poorly produced or unfriendly to radio. In fact Kweli scores big without the use of many big name rap producers and without Dj Hi-Tek, instead relying on lesser or barely known names like Kanye West, Dave West, J.Dilla, and Ayatollah to hold down the beat fort - and hold it down they do! Kayne West laces 3 of the albums tightest tracks in "Get By", "Good to You", and "Guerrilla Monsoon" (featuring Black Thought and Pharoahe Monch) but there is plenty of other strong material that rivals even these cuts. Quality also scores big with a number of well timed guest appearance by underground hip-hop luminaries like the Cocoa Brovaz and Pharaohe Monch, but also some up-and-coming or barely heard of singers like Vinia Mojica, Novel, Res, and Kendra Ross. As usual the subject matter is varied and delivered like true poetry, ranging from topics like the joy of becoming a father ("Joy" ), to surviving in the system ("Get By", "Gun Music"), to black America post 9/11 ("The Proud"), to relationships ("Won't You Stay"). There is possibly no better way to describe this album than, than to say it is and represents everything hip-hop can be.

Ja-Rule - The Last Temptation

Release Date: November 19th, 2002

Truth be told, I liked almost none of the songs on this album, but for the purposes of reviewing I tried to give him credit for songs I thought someone with decent musical taste could possibly like within reason. Jeffrey Atkins, excuse me, Ja-Rule is stuck in a serious dilemma as an artist. A reason spate of similar sounding radio hits has left him suffering from severe case of overexposure and a little type caste, not to mention the poor marketing decision of releasing this album in the same 2-week period as Jay-Z and a host of other rappers. Simultaneously, he is desperately clinging to the fantasy that he is a 'gangsta' (he's more like a wanksta) but in reality he has made his career doing R&B pop rap. This only makes his threats against people like DMX and 50-Cent more empty. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a direct correlation between Ja-Rule's tough talk and his recent dickriding attempts to ingratiate himself with Suge Knight, going so far as to attempt to dis Snoop Dogg on a record a few months back and then recording a cut ("Connected") on this album with The Row (Deathrow) artist, Crooked I and Eastwood. Even more annoying than all the pointless and bad songs like, "Emerica", "Last Temptation", and "Pop Ni**as", is Ja-Rules regression to a stunt-dummy Tupac. Jeffrey, if you are reading this understand: you are not Tupac! You are nothing like Tupac! Your life hasn't been as interesting as Tupac's! Nobody likes you as much as Tupac! In fact if Tupac were alive he probably wouldn't even like you! On top of Jeffrey's bad Tupac impersonation we have the un-comical relief of Bernie Mack or sum clown Bernie Mack wanna-be named Big Re-Mo performing bad skit after bad skit. But don't get it twisted Ja-Rule is the undisputed king of all things bad on this album, he manages to ruin Toto's "Africa" for "Murder Reigns" and to pervert Raphael Saadiq's "Anniversary" for "Murder Me", where the concept of "murder" has been re-orientated to mean good sex. I can just hear the chickenheads now, "oh baby, yes! Murder me!". I don't know where Jeffrey Atkins goes from here, but hopefully this will be his Last Temptation to continue recording albums, somehow I doubt I will be so lucky.

Lyricist Lounge-Underground Airplay Vol.1

Release Date: June 4th, 2002

"Welcome to HipHop's foster home" So spits HOM in Lounge Promo, marketing the very album he's featured on. And it's a fitting appraisal. Mixed by DJ Spinbad, Underground Airplay contains 31 tracks highlighting HipHop's hottest underground artists. There is probably more lyrical skill and depth shown on this single compilation, than in all of the top recent rap albums to grace the top pages of Billboard magazine. If you're wondering why you might not have heard this joint, its not called Underground Airplay for nothing. Some artists featured on here, like Punch & words, many may have heard as guests on other albums or not at all. Even the most well known contributors like Xzibit, Bahamadia, Pharaohe Monch, Rah Digga, Inspectah Deck or the powerful rumblings of Lord Have Mercy - can hardly be called mainstream giants. When it comes to tracks, there's seeming infinite diversity: from the dark mood of Wu affiliate Killa Priest's "Heat of the Moment", to the lazy afternoon feel of Self Scientific's "Return" or the straight screw ya' face up and nod ya' head feel to Hemisphere's "It's Time". Gems like Kardinal Offishall's dancehall styled "Ol' Time Killin" will get you whinin' ya' wais up. Mos Def's remake of Nucleus' classic old skool Jam On It will set off a contagious bout of poppin', lockin' and at least one windmill. And the no-holds-barred mic battle royale between Boogieman and Masta Ace takes HipHop to its roots. Be warned that this is in essence a mix tape, so the tracks tend to blend and flow into each other. A drawback in this format is that some tracks are shorter, leaving you feenin' just a little more for acts like Jane Doe's lyrical genius in "Bisexual" (don't draw conclusions, its not what u think). And some artists of course seem lesser in comparison to others. Yet all in all, Underground Airplay is worth your money. You'll have so many tracks on repeat it might take you a month to hear the whole thing.

Nas - God's Son

Release Date: December 13th, 2002

Nas - God's Son

Overall: B+ :Review by Eyecalone

The Roots- Phrenology

Release Date: November 26th, 2002

Long recognized as one of the top hip-hop acts in the game, by many of those who follow the hip-hop seen outside of the radio dial and heavy rotation on video shows, the Roots return to the scene with their fifth album, Phrenology. As someone who has followed The Roots I won't argue that this is their best album. Although it does contain a good share of quality material, the Roots have set the bar quite high for themselves. The mid-tempo and/or laid back cuts like "Break You Off", "Complexity", and "Sacrifice" are strong but missing are the really strong "b-boy" cuts that really highlight the skills of the often slept on, lead MC, Black Thought. Also absent is group member and fellow MC, Malik-B likely due to substance abuse as indicated by the song "Water", which is another strong cut. The indications that I received regarding this album was that it would generally be very up-tempo, but too often it isn't or the songs that are simply don't work (i.e. "Rolling With Heat"). As someone very familiar with the Roots and their music, I have to say that this album is a little to much "Baby You Got Me" and not enough "Clones" to leave me fully satisfied (if you have the Roots last 2 albums you will follow that reference).

Erick Sermon - React

Release Date: November 19th, 2002

Despite all the drama surrounding his musical career and personal life, Erick Sermon says what folks say about him doesn't faze him, in other words "whatever we (the Public) say, then he's that". However his songs reveal he is annoyed by people saying he is the gay rapper, talk of his Caucasian girlfriend, and racism in society, but luckily it hasn't stopped him from making music. There is life after EPMD and this cat deserves his due because he is still doing it after 12 years. "React", "Love Iz", and "Tell Me" featuring Mc Lyte and Rah Digga are strong cuts and overall you can come up out ya pocket for this album. I was just mad that he did not tell us what the Hindi girl from the React track is actually saying. On the actual cd cover of the album and in his interview he said he forgot. So I had to do some research and that research, using the Indian News/Times paper reveals that a controversy has arisen over that chorus in the Indian community. Actually the translation of the popular hook from the react track means "If someone wants to commit Suicide then let them" most people of course don't realize that is what they are singing and it probably wouldn't stop them if they did. Ironically suicide is another subject that Erick Sermon has had follow him. Months ago he was hospitalized after a nasty fall allegedly from a apartment window and he had to keep saying the media had the story twisted. In XXL Sermon said the woman singing the hook for "React" is saying something "fly". Well I guess suicide can be "fly", if we are talking about euthanasia. Outside of that, this review was easy cause "whatever I say it is, then it's that"!

Slum Village - Trinity: Past Present & Future

Release Date: August 13th, 2002

This album reminds me of A Tribe called Quest. Tribe used to be my crew. They got this one john blaze track on here, that I didn't even know - they were responsible for but trust me you heard it. It's the one which is playing on their website. They are helping to put MOTOWN on the map for rap also. Don't get it twisted they are catching no residual love from Eminem, the other Detroit act. They have different sounds, fans, concepts and although this is only their second album they are quickly carving their own niche out. The first 5 joints on here are head bangers - after that, this album loses steam but eventually picks it back up. I was surprised that the local bootlegger even had his this in his suitcase stash, that means they're probably really blowing up and cats are straight asking for them - I can understand why. While many in the rap world appear to be allergic to originality Slum Village tries really hard to take a different path - they don't always succeed - but when they do, they accomplish it in a big way. It's just that everything they probably consider innovative is really not, however I got my eyes on them even though I have not picked up the official copy yet. To me they aiight. I think Slum Village has been on the scene about 3 years but they need a lil more time to marinate - Nuff Said

Snoop Dogg - Paid Tha Cost to Be Da Boss

Release Date: November 26th, 2002

Styles- A Gangster and A Gentleman

Release Date: July 9th, 2002

For those of you who live in a cave, Styles is the second member of the rap trio, The Lox, to release a solo album, and after listening to a Gangster and A Gentlemen, and having heard Jadakiss' solo debut album, it seems the so called "street cats" were waiting for the wrong album. Don't get it confused, this is by no means a classic, but for someone with a repertoire as limited as Styles, it's a solid effort. If you're familiar with The Lox or Styles, you know what your getting into when you put this album on; unrealistic, extremely violent, criminal fantasies told through metaphors and similes that almost all revolve around guns/bullets, drugs, cars and other material items. But where I will give styles some credit is that he does make an attempt, albeit a confused one (i.e. Barber Shop skit, Outro), to balance the overall, extremely negative content of his album with some skits, and songs like "Listen" and "My Brother" that are pretty strong cuts and a welcome change (unfortunately skits are usually skipped after the first few listens, especially when they're near the end of the album). Or maybe it's that I've become so accustomed and desensitized by rappers in general, Styles particularly, threatening to "Boil" his enemies children, kill his enemies families, and drop their children off of "rooftops" that anything sounds like a reprieve. Overall the album production is strong despite Swiss Beatz and his ilk receiving production credits on several cuts. There are also several other solid tracks on this album like "Styles" and the title track, in addition to obvious bangers like "Good Times" and "The Life". In the end, this album falls into the category of albums where "less is more", because songs like "Ya'll know we in here", "And I Came To", "Get Paid", and "Lick Shots" would have been much better left on the cutting room floor.

Various Artists- Soundbombing III

Release Date: June 4th, 2002

It doesn't happen often, but every few centuries somebody actually gets this record label/crew collaborative CD thing right. After 2 up and down attempts, it seems the 3rd time is a charm, as Soundbombing 3 has hit the bull's-eye. Boasting a wide range of rappers and singers - from the super thugged-out likes of Styles, to the pimped out likes of DJ. Quik, to the socially conscious likes of Talib Kweli, Common, and Most Def. They even find ways to successfully mesh seemingly incompatible artist like Talib Kweli and Dj Quik for "Put it in the Air". Some of the cuts could even enjoy commercial success, in fact I've heard a few get spins on the radio already, such as "The Life" (Styles and Phaoahe Monch which is also on Styles solo debut) and "Round and Round" (remix). Almost all the cuts are at least decent (the exception being "On the Block" by R.A. The Rugged Man, which was an ok concept spoiled by a terrible MC. I really don't understand how this guy keeps getting on albums. He must be somebody's brother). A couple of artist really shine on this CD like Skillz (formerly Mad Skillz) on "They Don't Flow" and "Crew Deep", and Talib Kweli. The biggest standouts are "Spit Again" (Cocoa Brovaz), "Crew Deep", "The Life", and "Rhymes and Ammo" (Roots and Talib Kweli).