Like much of '80s hip hop, the production leaves something to be desired for me, particularly on the opener and 'Indian Girl' with others not far off either. However, on the positive side, you have some great tracks including the legendary 'Children's Story', and 'Hey Young World' (that i actually prefer), one of the most original, talented and fun rappers telling the stories, and an album full of songs that were influential to so many other artists. If you're a big fan of the genre, then while listening to this album, you should pick out a heap of quotes from Rick that were to be sampled on future rappers' tunes. If you had another rapper on these beats instead of one with Rick's original qualities, it wouldn't be half the album it is. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: The Ruler's Back, Children's Story, Teenage Love, Hey Young World, Teacher Teacher

I'm an Erick Sermon fan, so I'm surprised that I missed this project. I think because it's labelled as a compilation, I always assumed it was best off, but it's all new music, just made up of different artists. Redman produces the first two songs, and Erick handles the rest. I haven't heard of many of the artists who, checking out their credits, didn't have long lasting successful careers, but they all rap well enough over these strong boom bap beats. Apart from the radio skits with Cherry Martinez, that are annoying and corny, there isn't anything to not enjoy. If you enjoy that classic east coast boom bap sound, this is worth listening to. Best Tracks: Redman - Funkorama, Passion - As the..., Jamal & Calif - Beez Like That (Sometimes), Duo - On the Regular, Erick Sermon - Reign

I wasn't feeling too motivated by this album to want to write a review, but I had to mention that the hook of the opening song gives me PaRappa the Rapper vibes. "Swing, swing, swing and chop, chop, chop!" P.A. are Dungeon Family group members, Mello, Kawan Prather and Big Reese, and the album is almost entirely produced by Organized Noize of early OutKast fame. It's a very different sound though. There isn't the funkiness of OutKast with this being pretty much entirely hard-hitting boom bap, so they show their versatility. It's all okay, but the rappers don't stand out and there is nothing at all that I love here. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★☆ Best Tracks: Strictly Butcher, 3B, Manifest

A decent EP, but like I often say with EPs, if you are only going to give me a small amount of music, the quality should be of a very high standard throughout the whole project. It's a bit boring in parts and I can't say there is anything to keep in a playlist. Best Tracks: Take Time, Foe or Friend

When I can be bothered to concentrate enough to pay close attention Canibus still raps some interesting stuff, but it's been a long time since he has made a great song. There is no chorus here to get stuck in your head, that's for sure. If you love hip hop just for the spitting, and/or are a massive Bis fan, you may enjoy this, but neither the song writing or the production, all by Johnny Slash, is enjoyable enough. Beats: ★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★☆ Best Tracks: SLICC (Intro), Every Right Thinking American, Press - PussyPanis Button