| Mr. Cheeks- Back Again: Though his refusal to dumb down his raps or resort to sensationalism has prevented Mr. Cheeks from becoming quite as big a star as he perhaps should be, BACK AGAIN! reveals a mature and wiser artist who isn't afraid to search for deeper meaning in the hip-hop philosophy. "Reminisce" is a virtual pop-culture history lesson that points to the increasingly fleeting nature of popularity, given by a man who knows whereof he speaks. Though he essentially belongs to an earlier era (as appearances by Pete Rock and CL Smooth suggest), Mr. Cheeks shows that his skills have only improved with age, and proceeds to spit out one lyrically complex and thoughtful rhyme after another. He also has an old-school veteran's knack for picking choice, no-nonsense samples and using them to create a mood that perfectly fits his rhymes. With BACK AGAIN! Mr. Cheeks reveals himself to be one of the few hip-hop artists who can maintain the sharp edge of gangsta rap while almost completely eschewing the violent aesthetic. Ultimately, this talent gives his work a much more "real" worldview than that propagated by his more famous contemporaries. 7.5 OUT OF 10 |
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| Black Eyed Peas- Elephunk: With distinct, cuttingly insightful, yet subtle lyrics fed over consistently catchy beats and eclectic arrangements, L.A.'s Black Eyed Peas have earned a high level of respect within the rap world, significant attention at college radio, and even the occasional crossover hit. Third release ELEPHUNK sees the addition of a fourth member, enchanting female vocalist Fergie (introduced with verve on the dancehall "Hey Mama"), and the continued elevation of their style and skills, as the group journeys all over the map, never falling into a funk of boredom. ELEPHUNK opens the ears from the outset with the flophouse jazz backbeat of "Hands Up," simultaneously easy-going and infectious, before crashing into the fluorescent, straight-up party anthem "Labor Day" using the familiar JB's "The Grunt" sample as successfully as the Bomb Squad did back in 1988. Then there's the perfectly chiseled but fiery "Shut Up" with its insistent Knight Rider-theme beat and call-and-response. ELEPHUNK closes on an unlikely duet with Justin Timberlake, "Where Is the Love," an earnest state-of-the-world ballad that somehow creates a fitting ending to a solid album from one of hip-hop's most intelligent groups. 8 OUT OF 10 |
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| Nelly- Da Derrty Versions Da Reinvention: Nelly truly seems to be having fun on DA DERRTY VERSIONS, his addition to the genre. This release is unique in that the remixes are generally by the original producer. Also, the title is a bit of a misnomer, as it implies more stripped-down or crunked-out versions, which are not really what this record is about. However, that's not a bad thing; DA DERRTY VERSIONS is a consistently entertaining record featuring many clever twists, unforgettable guest shots, and one ultra-catchy, all-new track "Iz U." By far, the most ear-catching moment is the peculiarly inspired reworking of the smash "Ride wit Me" which begins a cappella before a jangly guitar kicks in and reimagines the rap to the tune of John Mayer's "No Such Thing." Nelly's first hit, "Country Grammar," is redone more traditionally as E-40 drops by to add some new verses to complement the slightly tweaked familiar chorus. Hits like the St. Lunatics "Batter Up" and the summer jam "Hot in Herre" are given small but welcome alterations and remain as engaging as ever. The whole album is threaded together by the affable Nelly as the interviewee/tour guide, offering insight into the making of the record itself. 8.25 OUT OF 10 |
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