Beastie Boys: Root Down

Surprisingly the Prince Paul remix was kinda weak...but the Free Zone remix by the Prunes was fat as f-. Even though I wasn't that open on the album, the BBs have come with great 12"s, this one no exception. (CAPITOL)

Bounty Killer: Scare Him

I wasn't impressed, especially after his devestating "Celluar Phone". It's just kinda boring, especially with the Mobb Deep modified beat (it's Survival of the Fittest but it's not...listen and you can ll). No big deal. (PROFILE) 93bpm

The Butter Foundation EP

A solid breakbeat EP for the hip hop/jazz crowd. Long tracks that make for good segues in mixing and just nice sounding sh*t in general. HIGHLY recommended. (THE BUTTER FOUNDATION) assorted bpms

Chubb Rock, OC & Jeru: Return of the Crooklyn Dodgers

Not everyone agrees with me on this one, but I thought this sequel was better than the first. Definitely track-wise, Premier hooks up some butter beats...lyrically, OC was the weakest, Chubb the most vague and Jeru ripped sh*t so hard that my vinyl st arted smoking. Frankly, I could've lived with the other two and just kept Jeru on this MF. (MCA) 95bpm

Cipher: Peeps b/w Peeps-The Sequel

Some nice underground sh*t to come out of Canada. Good, jazz influenced production and good lyrics too. I look forward to their upcoming stuff. (UNSIGNED) 604-986-3122 for more info. 93bpm

D&D All Stars: 1,2 Pass It remix

Yo, I LIKE this remix, don't front. A lot of people don't but I like the playfulness of the track which is a nice departure to all the serious sh*t that Premier comes out with. A must have 12" in my book. (ARISTA) 89bpm

Das Efx: Real Hip Hop

When I first heard this track I was more open than a train tunnel. Even a month later I still think it's a great track (Premier again) and it's good to see Das getting back to their fat form. The remixes straight suck, no question but the LP cut and instrumental is all a DJ needs to put this sh*t to work. (East/West) 94bpm

Epic Street Sampler

Vicious: Him Never Do It

S'okay cut...I'm not a big fan of Vicious' voice, but the track has got some frantic flavor to it. 89bpm

Myschief: Anticipation

I kinda like this cut...it's got that dusty, smoke-filled jazz feel to it, complimented well by Myschief's baritone flow. Might be someone to look out for. 88bpm

Kool G Rap: It's a Shame

Well, if this is the way he's coming back, I'm not too impressed. It's not a bad track and Kool's flow is one of the most memorable in hip hop, but get off the Sugar-Hill-R&B-type-music already. Everyone. Please. 84bpm

Fat Fluids

Some Strapped breakbeats for ya'll...some jazzy flavor, some dancehall flavor, all fat...it wasn't superduper but it had some nice sh*t on there. (STRAPPED) various bpms

Finsta and Bundy: Who I Be b/w Bomb Sh*t

I liked this single better than their first one, which, while decent, suffered from way too much Black Moonism. On this cut, both cuts drop some dark jazzy flavor and rhymes that are on-the-real. You know how it goes. A decent single...don't trip if you don't have it, but on the underground tip, F&B are making moves. (BIG WILLIE) A:81bpm B:90bpm

GURU: Watch What You Say b/w Respect the Architect

A f-in great 12", no question. This one single is probably the only thing worth having on the whole Jazzmatazz LP. The A-side has the best beat off the album, and surprise, surprise, GURU's boy Primo wrecks shop with some devestating jazz. Like I sa id, Primo's got the skills to adapt to many different sonic environments. The Chucky remix BLATANTLY samples Q-tip's loop for Nas' "One Love" and while I liked the track I have to wonder if any of the Bad Boy producers know how to make new beats, knowhat I'msaying? Between Chucky and Puffy you'd think no one's beats are safe.

And what can I say about the B-side except for Bahamadia and Buckwild. While Bahama wrecked shop I wasn't moved by the original mix but Buckwild drops some jazz lovely type sh*t which is making me appreciate him more. This is definitely a good 12" to have, don't sleep. (CHRYSALIS) A:92bpm B:93bpm

GZA: Labels

Classic. 'Nuff said. (WU TANG) 95bpm

Jay-Z: In My LIfe Time b/w I Can't Get WIt That

Last heard on the B-side of Mic Geronimo's "Masta IC", Jay-Z comes with a wicked debut single. The album cut of In My Life Time drops some ill piano drops while Jay-Z comes with a swift lyrical style that should impress people from coast-to-coast. The B ig Jaz remix comes from a whole 'nother vibe, very mellowed out and cool, kinda like the difference between Big L's versions of "MVP." I Can't Get Wit That is produced by DJ Clark Kent and the beat can only be described as fun and lively. A solid 12", d efinitely look out for this one. (PAYDAY) 89BPM, remix:85BPM, I.C.G.W.T.:90BPM.

Jamal: Fades Em All

At first I didn't like this track too much, mainly b/c I'm not a big fan of Illegal...but on second and third listen, I appreciated Redman's production more...subtle but not boring. In my opinion, Redman is the person to be making beats, not the E Dou ble. Jamal comes with some tight verses too. A good 12". (ROWDY) 88bpm

Jemini the Gifted One: Keep on Rockin' (!!) b/w 50 MCs in a Cipher

Following up a great remix 12" of his "Funk Soul Sensation" single, Jemini's got another one out, Tribute. There are five, count 'em, five remixes and all are SOLID. Tribute is dedicated to the old school and Jemini flow something lovely about his favs. I recommend the Goldfinger remix (though all mixes are tight) for it's old-school-in-the-new-school type. The Suede Pumas mix is some eerie tip (kinda like Dre's remix of "Lodi Dodi" he did for Snoop). Definitely some flavor. On the B, Jemini comes w ith The more I hear from Jemini, the more I'm liking his sh*t and this 12" is no exception. Definitely some sh*t to peep for. (MERCURY)

Jemini: Scars and Pain EP

He got dropped off of Mercury and this EP might swiftly become a collector's item. It's not mega fat but no question, Jemini has got some talent and good producers behind me. Representing on the EP are Buckwild, Minnesota, Organized Konfusion and Jem ini himself. 8 SOLID tracks...find this where you can...trust me, you'll want it. (MERCURY-formerly) various bpms

KRS-One: MCs Act Like They Don't Know

If you don't like this 12" f- you and your holier-than-KRS attitude. Yeah, the man's got ego like it's going out of style but that's the main reason why people don't like him. If he was more humble, like Nas, people would worship his ass... Look, eg o or not, name one MC who's been around as long as KRS has who can still rip the mic. This is a must-have 12". Premier comes through, Kris rocks it. What more you want? (JIVE) 91bpm

Toshi Kubota: Funk It Up The All Star Street Funk remix gets a head nod from me. No, it's not really hip hop even if the Dub mix has someone (who sounds familiar, just not very good) rhyming over it. It's some flavor to it...I wouldn't recommend buying it, but having it ain't b ad. (COLUMBIA) 95bpm

Listen the Sound: Volume One

Some of the best breaks I've heard in a long time. Very jazzy but definitely on the hip hop tip. (BLUNT) various bpms

Luniz: I Got Five On It remix

Look, if you haven't heard either this or the original track, you're living on Mars. It's a cool track and I give props to the Bay for putting it out but it's overplayed. Still, I give the Luniz credit for standing up to Too Short. (NOO TRYBE) 88bpm

Mad Drama: Ain't No Room b/w Nod Ya Head

A new female artist...she's ok, but nothing mindblowing. Musically, the A-side is another pathetic use of Roy Ayer's "Everyone Loves the Sunshine". No props for an overused sample. I liked the B-side though...overall, the sh*t ain't bad, but I'm not dying for the LP or anything. (LAFACE) A:82bpm B:92bpm

Masta Ace Inc: Sittin on Chrome b/w Ya Hardcore

A crap single that would be absolutely worthless if not for the B-side. Ace is just starting to disappoint me on levels I didn't think were possible. I don't even wanna talk about it.

But the B-side, Ya Hardcore has promise...Ase returns to his point in "Slaughtahouse" by doing a song that mocks all the hardcore MFs out there going out with twin Glocks blazing. Plus, he slowed his voice down ala BIG style which made it sound more i nteresting. (DELICIOUS VINYL) 89bpm

Monica: Like This and Like That

I dig Monica. Is that so wrong? I thought her last single had a bomb ass track even if it did sample LL's "Backseat of my Jeep". I think her and Brandy might have to scrap it out to determine who's got the better producers and voice. I like this ne w single too...the track has got that right blend of hip hop, soul and jazz influences that makes it very listenable and kinda groovy (no doubt!) (ROWDY) 95bpm

Mood: Hustle on the Side b/w Transmoreify b/w Sacred

Damn, who's this? I like the A-side cut...hella jazzy and kinda bluesy as well. Apparently it's already making waves on video but since I don't actually have a tv, I'm reduced to catching the flavor via ear, not eyes. The other cuts are ok too, but Hustle is the star on this 12" (?) 90bpm

Keith Murray: This That Hit b/w Dip Dip Di

After dropping an album of great lyrics and mediocore beats, Murray drops a new single off of "Insomnia" (Erick Sermno's Compilation LP). This That Hit has got a nice groove to it with Murray kicking his patented ill style of lyrical flow. This time out, the E-Double drops some sh*t on the smoother tip, funky but not played out.

The Dip Dip Di remix is nice 'cept it drops the same Patrice Rushen sample that Mega Banton recently used on "Money First" and that Renaissance used back in the day on "Twist Da Cap." I still like it a lot even if it is familiar and it's a nice contra st to the bassier album version which is on the 12" too. (JIVE) T.T.H.:90BPM, D.D.D.(rx):96BPM

Naughty by Nature: Clap Yo Hands

The more I hear their singles, the more tempted I am to check out the much bally-hooed album. I liked both versions of this single...yeah, it's an obvious party track, but NBN makes some of the best in the business without dropping some Montell Jordan type sh*t. The Kaygee remix is better...I like the old school sample. (TOMMY BOY) A:98bpm Remix:101bpm

Omar feat. Uptown: Keep Steppin'

The main thing worth mentioning on this 12" is the DJ Premier remix. Not that I'm getting on Primo's jock, but I just like the man's versitility. The track manages to drop some hip hip flavor, mainly through some nice sounding keys, but it works well with the faster dance pace of the 12". Uptown's lyrics don't dazzle but thankfully, he's only on for a couple of bars. (GROOVETOWN) 104bpm

Pharcyde: Drop

Out of their last four singles (this one included), I'd say I liked it better than "Pandemonium" but no where as near as I liked "The Rubber's Song" and "My Soul"(masterpiece!) Drop is cool, no question and it's got great lyrics...the track was ok, no t boring but not slammin' either. Still a 12" to have, no question. The thing about the Pharcyde for me is that you just know they're going to take their sh*t to the next level on their upcoming album. They're always good, now their better, which a lot of groups don't demonstrate over time. (DELICIOUS VINYL) 96bpm

DJ Quik: Summer Breeze I'll probably never be a fan of his lyrics, but the remix has a great track to it...I can't front. Funky yet orchestral...it's a very good summer single for that reason alone (and probably only that reason). (PROFILE) 99bpm

RBL Posse: Bluebird b/w Funkdafied b/w Bammer

Oh my god! O-Dub reviews a local! Yep...RBL's been getting props on the Bay Area underground for years now and while I think he fits a bit too well into the local sound, this single is decent. The track for Bluebird is interesting, definitely more than the chorus which just is either dumb or is over my head. Funkdafied...I won't bother, but Bammer is a f-in Bay Area classic now..."Don't give me no Bammer weed...we don't smoke that sh*t in the SFC." (IN A MINUTE) A:91bpm Bammer:114bpm

Red Hot Lover Tone: Wanna Make Moves

I still say that Red Hot is an underrated rhymer...part of his problem is that he can drop fat ass sh*t like DIYM, but then he has to come with some stupid stuff too. It's all about consistency. On this single, he comes with ok lyrics...I've heard be tter from him, but it's passable. The Greg Nice remix sounds typical Nice N' Smooth, damn, don't they EVER change? I think Nice N' Smooth should get props but evolve already... I LIKED the Trackmasterz remix which flips the same beat the Yo Yo used on "Macktress"...playful if not a tad dated. The sampling of MOP and AMG was cool too... A decent single and I'm glad to have it. (SELECT) 99bpm

Supherb: 90008 b/w Born on Parole

He's down with the Nonce but he sure don't sound like 'em. Supherb has an interesting flow...his voice reminds me of Saafir's, but his flow is distintive LA playa style... 90008 is a good song...talking about life in LA for Supherb. Born on Parole suffers from an overly funkdafied track that asks for an originality injection. (WILD WEST) A:89bpm B:92bpm