AZ - A.W.O.L
					- Album Review ::

Over a decade into a career that has never propelled AZ into the commercial position the uniformly high quality of his music has deserved, A.W.O.L. is yet another quietly excellent slice of powerful hip?]hop that deserves greater acclaim. Never Change" alone is a small masterpiece, an evocation of the strong bonds of friendship that's set to a track that effectively uses a wailing R&B diva voice (think, believe it or not, of 'The Great Gig in the Sky" by Pink Floyd!) without turning it into a cheap, distracting hook. Although several producers contribute to A.W.O.L., AZ (born Anthony Cruz) is commanding enough a focal point that the album hangs together as a whole. Tough without being thuggish, and clear?]eyed and un?]glamorizing about the gritty topics of songs like "Still Alive" and "Envious, AZ is at least the equal of better?]known contemporaries like Nas, and A.W.O.L. is further proof of his talents. – ALL Music Guide. 2006

MUGGS vs. GZA - Grandmasters
					- Album Review ::

On "Grandmasters", we find GZA's lyrical swordsman ship laced with the sonic trappings delivered courtesy of DJ Muggs. The Album's mid tempo production compliments GZA's tactical metaphor's like peanutbutter and jelly. In addition, it reminds us of why his fellow Clan members hold him in such high lyrical regard. GZA's storytelling is legendary since the early days of the 36 Chambers and Liquid Swords. And what's a Clan member without a few of his peeps doing a special appearance. This album, though nowhere near as legendary as the earlier WU jems, serves as a reminder why the tongue is symbolic to the sword.

JIN - EMCEE's Properganda
					- Album Review ::

JIN's second album continues to solidify his place as one of the new MC's to watch. The beats allow enough room for Mr. JIN to do his thing. This Chinese born MC is clearly on the fast track to the A-List of MC's. As the production gets better and JIN continues to craft his technique, it's only a matter of time before he drops an album worthy of 5 Lighters. Watch this cat.

LITTLE BROTHER - The Minstrel Show
					- Album Review ::

Mad potential on this one. Coming out of NC, Little Brother are a definite fresh air to an all to stagnant industry. With wordplay that could potentially rival the legendary native tongues, "The Minstrel Show" sets the stage for a group that's definitely on the radar to look out for.

SLICK RICK - The Art Of Storytelling
					- Album Review ::

The Ruler's best album to date can still can go toe to toe with anything that came out in the past 5 years. A damn near 5 lighter's album! Rick's storytelling, lyrical, substance by far put's his lyrical status with the likes of Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, LL and KRS-1. If this one is not in your archive, you might want to make an investment. Friday, payday.

SMIF 'N WESSUM - Reloaded
					- Album Review ::

Still representing one of the most respected camps in the game, comes another installment from the BCC Generals. One this round, the dynamic duo returns with a body of work that sounds a little dated. Nevertheless Tek & Steele comes through with the the ever so popular style of passing the MIC back and forth that lends to the album's hit potential.