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| Nas- The Lost Tapes: With I AM and STILLMATIC, Nas assured himself a permanent place in the history of hip-hop. The release of THE LOST TAPES, a collection of previously unreleased cuts recorded at those legendary sessions, adds to this considerable legacy. With most of these songs already cropping up as bootlegs on select underground mix tapes, this is the first official release featuring these songs mastered as Nas intended. Working with a number of sympathetic producers including The Alchemist, L.E.S., and Rockwilder, this gifted rhyme merchant drops captivating rhymes reflecting everyday life growing up in the Queensbridge projects, over a an assortment of mellow soul grooves. Using samples by Barry White ("No Ideas Original"), Mandrill ("U Gotta Love It"), and Eddie Kendricks ("Poppa Was A Playa"), Nas avoids any cameos or hype, presenting hip-hop in a stripped-down state that reaffirms the man's reputation as one of the genre's true legends. 10 OUT OF 10 |
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| Xzibit- Man Vs Machine: As part of the Dr. Dre posse that's been growing in size and stature since the early '90s (see Eminem and Snoop Dogg), Xzibit continues building on the success of 2000's RESTLESS with his 2002 follow-up MAN VS MACHINE. Staying true to his West Coast roots, Xzibit keeps the beats fat and bouncy for a number of like-minded souls including Dre (the hip-hopera "Symphony In X Major"), Nate Dogg (a rubbery "Multiply"), and M.O.P. (a raw and rough "BK To LA"). "Heart Of Man" even manages to work up a good flow based on a sample from Toto's "Africa." Other impressive collaborations find Xzibit throwing down with Eminem and Nate Dogg (an ominous "My Name," the pointed "Losin' Your Mind with Snoop, and "Harder," a team effort with The Golden State Project featuring Ras Kass and Saafir alongside Xzibit (a bangin beat by Jelly Roll). The native Angelino also goes old school on "The Gambler," a slow-rolling joint featuring plenty of sampled soul grooves, a raspy Anthony Hamilton rhyme, and jazzy flute arrangements. With roots deep in the heart of the Left Coast sound, Xzibit is one more piece of the puzzle that ensures Dre and company will be around for the long run. This album also comes with a bonus cd with 3 banging tracks, the highlight of the bonus cuts is the DJ Premier banger, "What A Mess". This cd is not up to par with "40 Days & 40 Nights", but with its polished sound and harder lyrics, it is better than Restless and further cements X's place as one of the West Coast top guns. 9 OUT OF 10 |
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| Jay Z- Unplugged: This is a live album of Jay Z's best cuts and the Roots provide the beats as the live band for the concert. The difference between a Jay-Z album and this album is the Incredible Roots Crew. MTV gave Jay a chance to blast off live at a high point in his carrer and yes it worked. If you know Mr. Carter's songs, then you'll have no problem singing along to all his memorible hits, but ?estlove provides each track with buttery, live baselines, violins, and drums that "Keep ya jumpin' like 6-4." Plus an appearence from Ms. Mary and you know she make a 'Song Cry.' 8 OUT OF 10 |