Bay Area Spotlights:

There's hella Bay Area sh*t that's been coming out lately and rather than review each independently and rain praises on each one, let me just say that EVERYTHING I'm about to list is 100% dope. You can't go wrong with any of them and why?

Well, I think the whole West Coast is emerging from the Dr. Dre era and is coming with originality all over the f-in place. Down in LA, Aceyalone is leading the charge with what is sure to be an incredible album by any standards. In the Bay though, " 4 Track is King" as the Mystik Journeymen put it and no question, these simple yet fat EPs that are coming out are showing some real, from-the- ground-up quality in lyrics and production. Real hip hop isn't about being real, it's about developing your ski lls, turning hip hop into an art where you try to improve yourself everytime and drop sh*t people haven't heard before. So below, you'll find some great stuff coming out of the Bay Area PLUS contact info on getting the EPs. Don't sleep. Seriously.

(in alphabetical order)

Blackalicious: Melodica EP (SOLESIDES) 916-759-1304 If you don't have this by now, you must be off planet somewhere.

Bored Stiff: Explainin EP (HELLA) 415-764-0223 Fat beats, fat lyrics.

Dereliks: Untitled EP (LOW SELF DISCIPLES) 212-838-0627 Underground dopeness.

Homeliss Derilex: Untitled EP (MALUADO) 510-482-8254 3 tracks plus instrumentals...great EP for DJs.

Mystik Journeymen: Never Forget/Give It UP (OUTHOUSE) 510-805-0619 The original "unsigned and hella broke" crew. Some of the hardest working MFs in the business.

Everything else...

Aaron Hall w/ Redman: Curiosity

Aw man...as if rapping with Boyz II Men wasn't enough, Redman hooks up with Aaron Hall to drop some decent lyrics over an ok track (by Marley Marl). In a music market now swimming with this sh*t, this is not the track that'll rock parties or mix tapes. Don't trip. (MCA) 91bpm

Bad Lt.: Whoa

The East Bay remix will probably catch wreck given that they boost the Luniz' "I Got Five On It" beat for rude bwoy Bad Lt. to flow over. Your standard hip hop/dancehall crossover...done decently well...it's all about beat selection and Bad Lt. picked a good one to flip on. (FRONTLINE) 94bpm

Big L: Street Struck

A vintage Lord Finesse track with so-so Big L lyrics...it'll be interesting to see if this 12" ever makes it to the stores. It's an ok single, but just not all that slammin, which pretty much goes for L's LP as well. (COLUMBIA) 88bpm

Blahzay Blahzay: Danger

Between this 12" and Mad Skillz' "Nod Factor" you can just close off any other contenders for beats of the year. Both have an infectuous party groove that simply rocks without being crossover. Blahzay may not have Skillz' lyrical gifts as much, but he holds his own. Moreover, the "when the east is in the house, oh my god, DANGER!" chorus gets my nod for one of the best of the year. If you don't have this record, you are sleeping worse than Rip Van...get with it! (MERCURY) 90bpm

Boyz II Men: Vibin Remixes

*Laugh* Let me get to the review first: The New Flava remix is the one that kicks, featuring the verbal candy of Treach, Craig Mack, Busta Rhymes and Method Man. The Kenny Smooth remix with Eric Sermon, Keith Murray and Redman just does not kick as much as it should with a trio of Death Squad lyricists like that (and that kid 2 To Da Head).

Now...is this a must have 12". Hella naw...I mean, it's cool and all, but the beats are about as smooth as you might expect...nothing to break necks. As to whether or not this sh*t is sellout or not...my read on it...hip hop is a lot of things, an art, a culture, a lifestyle...and a business. Like it or not, rap sells like sex sells and word, lotta MCs are gonna go for theirs. I don't have problems with that so long as they don't make their who artistic career into making money the easy way and saying to hell with skills and creativity. That's why I'm mad at Masta Ase more than I am at, say Treach on this MF. Ase bent his whole efforst to making sh*t that doesn't challenge...Treach might make some scrilla off this joint with the Boyz, but I can still depend on him to drop some ill sh*t on a single coming to a turn able near you.

We're all caught up in this "keeping it real" fever which is ok...hey, who doesn't want to see hip hop pure? But I don't see doing a single with Mariah making you a sellout and more as I see doing Sprite commercials is selling out. So long as an artist doesn't bend his or her whole style to the attempt to gain money the easy way, then I got respect their desire to make some green on the side. Artists who are true to the art will always drop sh*t to bust heads. Those who don't, won't. (MOTOWN) 93bpm

Camp Lo: Coolie High b/w World Heist

All in all, the 12" is decent. Production is on the smooth tip, but with enough flavor to avoid being too smooth. Lyrically, it's one of those back- in-the-day joints and everything goes together ok. I'm not hella hyped about it, but I think others out there might appreciate it better. (PROFILE) A:87bpm B:88bpm

Cypress Hill: Throw Your Set in the Air b/w Killa Hill

Don't call it a comeback...'cause it's not. After dropping two strong lead-off singles, I think Cypress Hill came up flat. Throw Up Your Set... has neither the party flavor of "Insane in the Membrane" or the devestating underground bomb groove of "How I Could Just Kill a Man." In fact, listening to it, I can't really tell how they've changed since their last LP, which is never a good sign. The Club Remix is a bit better...at least they flip a track that sounds more than the mundane Soul Assassinated sound.

Hella kids be talking about Killa Hill b/c of RZA's presence musically and lyrically but even the original Gravedigga can't do too much to save this single from a much deserved burial. If Cypress can't stand on their own two, importing Wu talent can't be a good sign. (RUFF HOUSE) 93bpm(both sides)

*Fab 5:Blah b/w Leflah

Whatever I said about being Boot Camp Clique-d out, I take some of it back. This single represents the pairing of Heltah Skeltah with the OGC (Originoo Gunn Clappaz-quick note, this phonetic-spelling sh*t is getting tired ya'll...you're not being Urkel if you spell sh*t the "right" way) and they drop some NICE sh*t here. Suprisingly, neither Evil Dee nor Mr. Walt contribute their produciton skills, but hey, it's not big deal b/c Tony Moore and Baby Paul do just fine. I like both sides, especially side B. The lyrical flows are familiar but for some reason, I thought the overall effort was more creative than some other stuff out of the BCC that's been boring me. Nice. (PRIORITY) A:90bpm B:93bpm

Faith: You Used to Love Me Remixes

Ok, ok, ok...we're all sick of R&B/hip hop singles, but you know...most of them are fairly decent which explains why they sell and ergo...why people keep making them. Faith comes with a cool little club track on this one..."C'mon with ya bad self...get down with ya bad self". The rhymer was no big deal...maybe I'm just disappointed b/c I was expecting Biggie to jump in. Anyway, the Puffy remix has a nice bass groove but get with Ali's (as in Shaheed Mohammed) remix... After dropping some surprisingly good smooth flavor on D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar", Ali shows that he can do more than produce for Tribe. I liked this whole 12", especially Ali's jazzysmooth mix and I think some of you might too.

Just as a quick note...I also like the album, which, while only 8 songs deep, has some nice stuff on there. I have to admit that as annoying as Bad Boy is with their proliferation, their producers know how to make beats that sound good, regardless of how familiar they maybe. (BAD BOY) Ali:89bpm Puffy:91bpm

*Fat Joe: Success

Fat Joe just might make a come-back yet... I'm sorry, but his lyrics on the first LP and on his cameos were laughable...making people seriously wonder how he ever got the attention of major label. But on this 12", a new, improved Fat Joe emerges. He might still be the Fat Gangsta, but at least he can slang some lyrics as well now. Unfortunately, his producer wasn't quite up to snuff...creating a fairly mundane and boring track. Enter Premier. Remix kid? Slammin'. Strictly Primo style with his signature drum chops and sampling. I really wish Premier would come out with something wack just so I can say he's a human after all, but goddamn...if he keeps dropping tracks like this and the Group Home sh*t... Get with the new Fat Joe and a fat Premier remix. (RELATIVITY) 83bpm

Genius: Liquid Swords b/w Labels

At the risk of pissing off some Wu-heads out there...I didn't feel Liquid Swords. GZA had some nice lyrics...a couple of good punchlines, but RZA must have gotten lazy after his brilliance on Raekwon's LP, cause this beat was repetitive, boring and basically, unimaginative which is surprising given RZA's other work. Other DJs have complained about a lack of an instrumental, but my point is, "Why trip?" For those who couldn't get it the first time, Labels does appear on the B and that alone makes the 12" worthwhile for many. Bad tidings for the GZA album? Not really...I still like the Genius' lyrics, but this 12" doesn't move me that much. (GEFFEN) A:90bpm

Goodie Mob: Cell Therapy

At risk of angering heads out there...I STILL don't feel this 12". The beat is ok, no big deal. Lyrically, I really wasn't impressed. I dunno, maybe I'm sucking on the glass pipe here, but I can't get with this single. (LAFACE)

Grand Puba: A Little of This

Hey, no disrespect, but I gotta ask Puba and Elektra...why? They turned a lackluster B-side into a slightly better remix 12" but with an album full of better tracks ("Play It Cool" fools!) why this one? Makes no sense to me whatsoever. Like I said the remixes are ok, but don't really add much to the 12". (ELEKTRA) 85bpm

*Group Home: Livin Proof b/w Supa Dupa Star

Ok, I'll be honest...I thought "Supa Star" was ok, but I didn't quite understand why everyone and their cousin was tripping...but with their second single out, I'm starting to gain some appreciation for Group Home more. True, I do think they're part of this whole wave of reality rap that's sweeping hip hop, but the thing about Group Home is that they don't seem to go off on gangster fantasies as much and even if a group like Mobb Deep has better mic skills, Group Home has a sincerity that I appreciate more. Plus, Premier simply cannot do wrong...seriously! The beat is fly, Premier's signature drum loop and sampling is all over the place but the sh*t just sounds dope.

Plus, the Supa Dupa Star demo mix was a great example to show how artists evolve. Frankly, I liked some of the lyrics on this mix better but if you compare it with the actual released version, the evolution is interesting... Definitely a single to pick up, don't sleep. (PAYDAY) A:93bpm B:95bpm

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

Quite simply, this is pretty much the only thing worth having off the Jazzmatazz II LP. Premier represents like a MF great track that's flavored by Chaka Khan, Branford Marsalis and decent vocals by GURU. The Chucky remix is exactly what you'd expect from a Bad Boy: unoriginal, but ok. This time, Chucky decides to jack the beat Q-Tip made for Nas' "One Love."

The B-side is another great cut, featuring the devestating lyrics of Bahamadia over a decent original, but even better Buckwild remix of "Respect the Architect". Between these two singles, you have the best of Jazzmatazz II. Fat. (CHRYSALIS) A:92bpm B:93bpm

Ill Biskits: Chill Factor

This was supposed to come out as a single but it looks like the Biskits are going to go with "God Bless Your Life" instead... I don't know that much about these kids but I do know that I have yet to be disappointed by anything they've put out. Chill Factor is ok...not as good as "God Bless..." or "22 Years" but it's got a nice vibe to it, decent lyrics. A very summer cut which might explain why it's NOT being released in the fall. Promo only ya'll so find it where you can. (ATLANTIC) 90bpm

Jemini: Scars and Pain EP

A collectors item worthy of anyone's crates...this promo-only EP constitutes some great hip hop. Too bad Mercury couldn't hold onto him. I'm not going to go super in-depth, but let's just say that the EP has flavor for everyone...different styles, different production, different flows...If you can find this EP...GRAB IT. (MERCURY)

*Jurassic 5: Unified Rebelution

Some will like this single, others will think it's wack...I'm in the former. This old-school-in-the-new-school-age 12" is a nice walk down memory lane to a time where rap could be just fun and not so god damn serious all the f---in time. No "keeping it real", no "representing", no "real G's", just five kids who remember what it's like to have some fun on the microphone. Cut Chemist throws together a great blend of old school beats that's bound to spark some smiles by listeners who are old enough to remember these joints. I don't know how long they'll be able to last...hip hop isn't old enough either for us to get nostalgic for too long

Kaotic Style: Down 4 Whatever b/w Get In Where You Fit In

Hey, even a label like Wreck had to have some wack artists...despite good production on this 12", Kaotic Style makes Nine look like Nas. Flow is mediocore, lyrics even more so. As with a lot of Wreck product, the beats represent well, especially on te B-side which loops Johnny "Guitar" Watson's "Superman Lover" (again)...it's a flavor track, too bad Kaotic Style's lyrics makes it all too bland. (WRECK) A:88bpm B:91bpm

Kenny Dope: Dope Beats Vol IV

My main problem with Kenny Dope's breakbeats are that they're just straight two, three, four bar loops with little else. Not that other groups like the Nubian Crackers loop up more, but Dope's breakbetas are usually fairly simple...too simple. I still have some of those same criticisms about this volume, but Dope does a better job of dropping more flavor breaks, instead of just straight drum loops. Those fans of: ATCQ, Apache, Chi Ali, NWA...and more, will find some nice familiar sounds coming off this piece of wax. A decent volume, probably the best so far. (CUTTING)

Kool G Rap: It's a Shame

Real quick: if it wasn't for the Butcher's remix, I'd really be disappointed. Kool G has the lyrics but the same way I had a problem with the whole album, I think this smooth-as-silk production is played. I'm not going to start yelling "give me hardcore or give me death" but if I wanted some smooth n' slick sh*t, I'd pick up some Soul IV Real not Kool G Rap, know what I'm saying? (COLD CHILLIN) 83bpm

Lady Apache: Rock and Comeen

Real quick: A year ago, this would've been a fat 12"...the "Flava In Ya Ear" track being worked over by a female dancehall artist would've sounded tight. And in some ways...it still does, but I just can't get past the beat which, unlike other similar dancehall/hip hop records, just sounds tired at this point. Chalk it up to ill timing...I still think the 12" is cool, but just dated. (WEEDED) 91bpm

*Lady Lee: Situation

This lil 7" is blowing up on the underground...what more can you say about a female reggae artist tearing sh*t up over the "Mad Izm" track? The track is banging...no diggety. Look for it to emerge on 12". Want more info? 617-576-8842 are the digits to dial. (URBAN STREET) 97bpm

Last 2 Serve: Untitled EP

Serving up some tasty live instrumentation and lyrics, Last 2 Serve is a Bay Area group who's released a decent EP. Lyrically, it isn't that great, but it's not too wack and the funk jazzy groove of the music makes up for those lackings at times. I don't know much about the group, but I'll keep ya updated... (OCEAN FLOOR)

Linque: Let It Fall

Decent single...I wasn't really tripping...ok remix with MC Lyte. Nothing mind blowing. A'ight? I wish I could say more but it just doesn't stand out or demand more attention, IMO. (EAST/WEST) 93bpm

*Lord Finesse: Hip 2 Da Game b/w No Gimmicks

Track-wise...I actually like the A-side better. Finesse has a very signature style: jazzy with jangling bells and what not. To be honest, I'm not a big Finesse fan but I do like his metaphors...he's one of the few MCs that can roll consistently with good lines. On the B-side, KRS doesn't come off as strongly as he did on his own 12", but on second and third listens...the man still can drop a flow. All critiques aside...this is definitely one for the crates. (PENALTY) A:91bpm B:93bpm

*L Swift: How Itz Going Down b/w Check Da Style

The pairing of producer Charlamagne (Natural Elements) and lyricst and L Swift seems like it was meant toobe. Charlamagne lays down some cool grooves, especially my pick-to-hit, Check Da Style. It's unfortuanate that the Luniz came out with the same beat on their "Playa Hata" b/c L Swift's A-side suffers a bit from the comparison even if their lyrical styles are totally different. The remix was no big deal to me but Check Da Style was all that. I'm definitely looking forward to future releases by this kid. (FORTRESS) A:93bpm B:90bpm

Mannish: Expect That remix

The single is finally out commercially and this LA-based group has definitely been making some noise. I know most of you have already heard the fat original...I'll make a quick note about the B-zar remix: it's ok. Kinda flavor, not necessarily better or worse than the original. Just something a tad different. (CORRECT) 91bpm

Major Stress: More and More b/w A Day in Da Stuy

A decent 12"...Salaam Remi comes with two likeable tracks...lyrically, I wasn't really tripping, but then again, this is some more underground type o' sh*t. Side A just didn't do it for me with some sing-songly lyrics though I liked the track. But Side B's hitting with a darker tracker and better lyrics. Check it out...call 212-245-2727 (NORFSIDES) A:88bpm B:91bpm

Mega Banton: Glamarous (remix)

Dancehall lyrics over a hip hop beat...same formula, but one that works. This time around, Mega Banton drops the "I'm Your Puppet" beat which I can't help but like. It's bouncy, it's playful and it's worth at least a spin or two. (RELATIVITY)

Method Man: The Riddler

As a general rule...I think tracks made exclusively for a soundtrack tend to fall flat...there are exceptions (Rakim's "Juice (Know the Ledge)" is a primo example), but when you have to conform your lyrics to fit a topic not of your own choosing, it's bound to be hard. Method Man's The Riddler seems to follow this rule pretty well...it's not bad, but Johnny be blazing much better on Raekwon's album than he is trying to be the Riddler. Plus RZA seemed to pull out some more mediocore beats out of the same crate that he found "Liquid Swords" in. All in all, both the original and better-sounding remix have some flavor, but the M.E.T.H.O.D. Man can do better than this. (ATLANTIC) A:85bpm Remix:88bpm

Mobb Deep: Temperature's Rising b/w Give Up the Goods

Don't get me wrong...I like both singles and all that, but what' s up with this remix-that's-not-really-a-remix. The only good remix that Mobb Deep has dropped is "Shook Ones Part II" which really wasn't a remix anyway. I still think it's a good 12" but I wish they had dropped an instrumental for the LP version of Temperature's Rising instead. (LOUD) A:92bpm B:96bpm

Monifah: I Miss You

It's on the R&H (Rhythm and Hop) tip...Don't know who the lyricist on this MF is, don't care. The only thing really worth noting is "Da Streetz Mix" which at least has a cool track for heads even if the rest of us are kinda sick of this whole R&H sh*t (but then again, that's what's hittin' right?) (UPTOWN) 99bpm

The Next Chapter

This is an unsigned hip hop compilation being put out by Immortal...who frankly...could use some new talent, no offense. Once again...a Left Coast comp...is it me or am I just not seeing sh*t from the East flow out? And no, Elektra's "Ill Style" does not count, dope as it maybe. Between this, Project Blowed (see below) and Seattle's "Unperscribed Transcriptions" the Pacific Coast seems to have an abundance of talent that people are willing to take a chance on by putting out projects like this. This is a wider topic so let me get back to the LP.

It's got some good tracks on it...I wish I could say everything hits, but it doesn't. Still, you'll find some cool ass sh*t from Vooodu!, Tony Da Skitzo, Dialted People and Defari...plus at least another four tracks (16 total) to keep the needle in the groove. Like I said about the Project Blowed compilation, it's very reassuring to see all this talent emerging from So. Cal. Look for this double LP (on colored vinyl!) at a crate near you. (IMMORTAL)

*Pharcyde: Runnin b/w Drop

I admit...I didn't really feel the single when I first heard it...after a summer of fabulous singles ("My Soul", "The Rubber's Song", etc) Runnin seemed too mild, too smooth, but then I REALLY listened to it. Now, I can't enough of this single. The chorus might bug the more hardcore crowd, but just lyrically and musically, this single clicks well. Pharcyde doesn't rely on familiar hooks or other industry-abused cliches...just good music and good lyrics. I'm still not that open on Drop, which has great lyrics but some what of a less-than-interesting beat. But this 12" has got fat quality on it, no question. (DELICIOUS VINYL) A:95 B:96

Powerrule: Dawn to Dusk b/w Rock Ya Knot Quick

My man Oni One didn't dig this single, which I find hard to believe. Granted, the B-side, produced by Erick Sermon, is typical Erick Sermon, predictable, ok, but rather unexciting all others things considered. But that A-side? Groovealicious thanks to Groove Merchantz production and a nice party-feel lyrical progression by the PRC. Excellent track. (SNEAK TIP) A:98bpm B:93bpm

Project Blowed (revisited)

The underground reputation of this album has been MASSIVE over the past year. It's gone global via word of mouth and a simple PO Box in the City of Angels. Quite simply, Project Blowed represents West Coast hip hop as something beyond just Dre-biting, steady mobbin and girlie chasing. Quite simply, it shows that creative and innovative and simply DOPE hip hop has no geographic boundaries. Featuring the skills of: Aceyalone, Abstract Rude, Love N Props, the Nonce, and many others, Project Blowed this time around has a new cover and VINYL! And NO, it's not going to come out commercially so those with the connect, get with it. Only the worst East Coast snobs can't find something to like on this album. Project Blowed: PO Box 1385 Culver City, CA 90232. (GRAND ROYALE)

Raekwon: Ice Cream b/w Incarcerated Scarfaces

There may not be any remixes on this 12", but who needs 'em with two of the better cuts on an album full of great ones. I wish I could say more, but I'm fairly Wu-ed out. Those who like the Wu will love this single, even people like me who are a bit cooler on 'em can still appreciate quality when we hear it. (LOUD) A:92bpm

RBX: AWOL

Damn! That's what I thought after the first set of verses that is basically one of the harshest rips on Dr. Dre since Cube was doing it with "No Vaseline". RBX and Dre have had a BIT of a fall out and RBX milks the concept. The ironic thing is that the track sounds like a poor Dre imitation, not the best to go in my opinion, but hey, go for yours. If you don't like Dre...you'll like this 12". (PREMEDITATED) 86bpm

Red Hot Lover Tone: #1 Player

I do think that Red is one of hip hop's more underrated metaphorists...he's just funny with his lyrics. But why is he underrated? 'Cause for every fly cut like, "D.I.Y.M." or "4 My Peeps", he puts out stupid sh*t like "BMW". Bottom line...the album has its moments..."Like That" has some hilarious lines, "I reach out to the youth like R Kelly" and what not plus "4 My Peeps" is cool and all, but in general, I wouldn't be tripping off this. (SELECT)

Return of the DJ

This double LP should have been out YEARS ago. Thank god the Bomb Hip Hop Magazine took the time to put this sh*t out. Quite simply...it's a true hip hop DJs record. Some of the best turn able technicians out there catch wreck and freak the hell out of the 1200s on this LP. Some cuts are better party cuts than others, but for those who appreciate the ART of DJing, you have to give it up...it's a sonic feast. Not everyone is gonig to swing with it and the LP does have a West Coast bias (but then again, where are all the dope ass DJs anyway, right?) but if you're talking about cutting edge sh*t, geography doesn't really matter. Who represents? Here's a sampling: E.Q., Cut Chemist, Q- Bert, Shortkut, Disc, Peanut Butter Wolf, Babu, the Beat Junkies, Rob Swift and Ghetto. Yo, you can get with discs or you can get with DAT. Those in the know choose vinyl, just remember that. Call the Bomb to get this sh*t: 415- 821-7965.

*Scott Lark Da Sensei: Insight b/w Ashes to Ashes b/w Natural Bliss

Straight up: I like this 12". Producer Tony D hooks up some nice tracks...smooth jazzy but not sappy. I do admit that Scott Lark sounds like Buckshot before puberty, especially with those sing-songy lyrics, but I've heard worse biting attempts. It's a very nasally voice which I might usually find annoying, but it just seems to fit and it gives Lark a distinctive sound in a world full of imitations. Flow and lyrically, he comes with some good sh*t...nothing mind blowing, but certainly listenable. Tony D is a very underrated producer...his main fault has been hooking up with less-than-stellar lyricists. But Natural Bliss? Oh man, I was dying for an instrumental...the piano loop was tight. Look for this sh*t or call: 610-940-9533 (CONTRACT) A:91bpm B1:87bpm B2:88bpm

*Show and AG: Got the Flava b/w You Know Now remix

Definitely an excellent 12" with one of the best tracks off the LP and a good remix... Got the Flava is the mad freestyle session that features Method Man on the close out...too short of a song, definitely. The B-side remix (by Buckwild) of You Know Now uses the same beat that others have probably have heard twice, but no one's done lyrics better than AG has on the same track. There's some question as to whether or not this will appear commercially so if you can get it...do so. (PAYDAY) A:84bpm B:90bpm

The Show Soundtrack

Straight up...this has to be one of the most disappointing and weakest soundtracks to come out in recent memory. There's basically three tracks worth even a lil attention: Tribe's great "Glamour and Glitz", the Redman/Method Man duo on "How High" and maybe Mary J's less-than-inspiring, "Everyday It Rains." Otherwise, this soundtrack is hella weak. What a waste of potential. (DEF JAM)

Sista: It's Alright

Hmm...now that BIG has been on every cameo on earth, is it Craig Mack's turn? Some kind of Bad Boy strategy for world domination? Well, this cut isn't quite R&B 'cause Sista's rhyming, not singing. The track, produced by Evil Dee is ok, but just isn't as good as one might want from the Beatminerz...but then again, lackluster lyrics from both Sista and Craig Mack probably go a long way to making this 12" mediocore with a nice beat. (MCA) 93bpm

*Smoothe Da Hustler: Hustlin b/w Broken Language

I admit..I slept on this sh*t b/c I thought the name was butt. And the A-side doesn't really impress...the beat's overused and the lyrics, while evading wackness aren't all that on point. But the B-side ya'll...the B-side...a classic. The beat is one of those East Coast simple yet fat productions that work so well...plus it practically screams for DJs to grab doubles and start cutting it up. Lyrically, it's a lil clever, a lil funny and I hope to go it'll never be done again. It's a record that could only be done once...all others are simply imitators. Don't let this record get past you, B-side wins again. (PROFILE) A:83bpm B:85bpm

Soul IV Real: If You Want It

Real quick: R&B/hip hop crossover, blah, blah, blah...this time around Puffy (surprise, surprise) jacks the "Luck of Lucien" beat that ATCQ first dropped, then Total Devestation made famous. I like the beat so I like the track for what's it worth. Guest rhymer...you got me, but he does ok. It's no BIG cameo or anything, but it's a'ight. (UPTOWN) 93bpm

Special Ed: Lyrics

Buckwild's remix is ok...fairly run-of-the-mill. I actually liked the LP mix better, but regardless...the weaker point is really Ed's lyrics. They're not bad, but I'm just not hyped. Has Ed really improved in his four year hiatus? No offense, but if so, I haven't peeped it. In world where I do actually believe lyricism is getting better, Ed isn't wack but he hasn't evolved with the time. (PROFILE) LP:84bpm RX:87bpm

Supercat: The Struggle Continues w/ Bonus remix album

Real quick: I don't know reggae very well, but I do know that this special promo double LP with bonus album is the sh*t. All of Supercat's best remixes with artits like BIG, Method Man and so on...on one record. Of course, if you were down since Day One, you would've already had the sh*t anyway, but hey...some of us were caught sleeping. Thankfully, Supercat was gracious enough to provide a wake up call. (COLUMBIA)

*Supernatural: Buddah Blessed b/w Mind Tricks

Finally answering the question, "Whatever happened too..." the world's former illest freestyle comes with a pair of tracks that impress, but lack the big punch people were expecting. I'm still not sure where Supernat went after dazzling ears from coast to coast but this 12" is good. Production is reflects that buddah influence and both tracks come with some nice sh*t. Lyrically, Supernat is ok, but a lot of critics might have had something when they said he'd have a hard time going from freestyle wonder to lyricist. Freestyles are spontaneous whereas sh*t pressed up on wax really isn't. Unlike a rhymer like Mad Skillz who works well in both environments, I just couldn't feel the same excitement for Supernat on this 12" as I did when I heard his freestyles on KMEL and wherever else. It's still worth picking up, no doubt, but so far, the promise has yet to be fulfilled. (ELEKTRA)

*Tony Da Skitzo: Untitled EP

San Diego? Yes, San Diego. Like it's far northern cousin Seattle, San Diego's starting to emerge from the shadows of the West Coast powerzones, LA and the Bay. And frankly...Tony's not a bad way to introduce San Diego to the rest of the hip hop world. Production is all good...very jazzy but twisted...kinda like Tony's lyrics. The name is bit too gimmicky for me to totally swing with, but his verbal flow speaks for itself. Tony manages to be laid back without being lazy...a very matt-of- factly flow. Peep how he twists words and phrases... Again, the whole Skitzo concept might wear a bit thin, but this 12" won't. Three tracks, one radio edit, one instrumental. Get with it: 201-568-7066 (LIMBO STREET)

Wise Intelligent: Killin U b/w Tu Shoom Pang

Ok, here's a first...a hip hop artist sampling an R&B song...but that's exactly what PRT's Wise Intelligent does on this solo effort, jacking Brandy's "Baby" beat. Frankly...I liked how it sounded...but on the real though, what's with this solo joint? For an artist who uses the name Wise Intelligent, I didn't find the lyrics to be either. The B-side was decent, though I still can't figure out what the f- Tu Shoom Pang is. (CONTRACT) A:91bpm B:71bpm

Da Youngstaz' Illy Funkstaz: I'll Make You Famous b/w Bloodshed and War

Now that they're too old to be called Da YOUNGstaz, I guess their evolution has turned them into hardcore players and "real" G's. Don't get me wrong...I like this 12" which features two good cuts plus a smooth, but decent remix. But here's the problems: 1) I'm not ready to deal with this transformation from juvenile rhymers to mack daddies. It's bad enough that you have most adult rhymers going off about how big their Ds are, but now these barely-out-their-teens kids? Now c'mon... 2) The B-side is simply stolen by Havoc and Progidy...their lyrics are so far and beyond the Funkstaz that it shows that some people mature with age...others... (POP ART) A:92bpm B:88bpm