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Week of Sept 17-23

Raheem Tight IV Life Training Camp
TIGHT IV LIFE
Rap veteran, Raheem, tries to follow-up his platinum release by DRAMA with a batch of new emcees: Dro, Fabo, and Tommy Gunn. The camp work together very well like a fine oiled machine on cuts like, "They Can't Stop Me", "Get Some", and "Dangerous Tymes." Skilled producer, Kooley C, provides the navigation for this southern joy ride with tight production songs such as "On Da Map" featuring Pastor Troy and "Tight IV Life" makes the cd a must.

EMq Entertainment IIc NONPILATION
EMq ENTERTAINMENT
The crew known as EMq are Michael Warner, JS-1, and Noray Diggs who hit us with their debut release. The production on this cd doesn't really meet the level of the lyrics but throughout this cd the emcees deliver positive vibes such as, "One Nation" and "Erase the Color Line." JS-1 lyrically can definitely hold his own with his twista style as he does on "Here We Go." My personal favorites are "Are You Ready" and "Keep Bouncin'."

De La Soul Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump
Tommy Boy
The dynamic trio which consist of Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo made one of the year's best albums. Unlike the last three De La Soul cds, this one takes them back to their roots. Production on the majority of this disc is held down by De La. They enlisted some of the industry's finest for the remainder. They also hit us with their best club cut in years on "Oooh" featuring Redman. Guest appearances by Xzibit, the Alkaholiks, Beastie Boys, and Chaka Khan makes this release suitable for all. Busta Rhymes blesses the mic on "I.C. Y'all" which will probably be the next single. This is the first volume of their 3-disc set and its definitely leaves you yearning for the next two.

Crush Misfortunes of a Man
Antra Records
Newcomer, Crush , hits the hip-hop world with his debut cd. Crush voice resembles Grand Puba and Sadat X. His downfall, if any, will be the lack of proper promotions. His production is solid but not standout which can also be said about his lyrics. His better cuts on this cd are "Raven", "Street Cats", and "Feelin' Me". Crush definitely has a future in this industry but on his next release he should go for more variety on production to expand his lyrical content.

Wicket Shop Wit Me
Four-0-4 Records
Decatur's finest ghetto mafia's emcee, Wicket , steps out on his own with his first solo release "Shop With Me." This cd is definitely bangin' beats, lyrics, content, EVERYTHING! Wicket maintains the formula that has made Ghetto Mafia so popular--straight at ya rhymes--about drugs, violence, and everyday ghetto drama. Wicket chose to produce his project, himself, which was a smart decision. He truly captured his style. Standout cuts are "Liquor Sto", "Go Ta War", "Out of Towners", and "Living in Poverty". Message to all you major labels: "Why is Wicket still independent?"

Sylk E. Fyne Tha Cum Up
Rufftown Entertainment
 Sylk E. Fyne returns with her second release. This time she's independent. After a gold single, a successful appearance on the Eastsidaz cd, she hits us with a better second effort. She chose to work with two producers who carry little recognition, but a nice sound. Songs like "Dirty South Central" and "I'mma Give It To Ya" are solid. She really impresses with "Lick It." Guess appearances by JT Money on "Tha Cum Up", Snoop Dogg and Bizzy Bone come through on "Ya Style" and "Represent". All in all this cd should be added to your collection.

The Geddon ORIENTASIAN: Volume I
Underground Release
Underground group, The Geddon, which consist of producer/DJ, Strezz and emcees, Chalise Dubanshee, and Brown Rekluse come straight at us representing with true aggression in their attempt to snatch a deal. Strezz's production is tight. His style compliments the Mc's like s penis to a condom. Chalise and Brown lyrically are the future. Cuts "Sonic Terrorism", "Kamikaze" and "Miser" bang so hard, they'll break your neck! My favorite is "Orientasian." All you MC's need to bust out your note pads and peep the Orientasian.

Lil Jon' & The Eastside Boyz We Still Crunk
BME Recordings
Lil' Jon , Big Sam , and Lil' Bo return to the scene with their second release. With production held down mostly by Lil' Jon, this cd is a southern classic. The trio takes crunk to the next level. Standout cuts are "I Like Dem Girls", " Bounce Dat Ass", and "Let My Nuts Go." Too Short turns up on "Just A Bitch" which is quickly becoming a club classic. Be on the lookout for the cut "Move Bitch" which features 3-6 Mafia, Youngbloodz, and Chyna White. This disc is like a tight mix-tape--just put it on and let it ride.

 
Sept 10-16...

...Sept 24-30