I just checked out the documentary series, 'Kings from Queens: The Run DMC Story', and I realised I hadn't listened to all of Run's discography. As expected for an '85 rap album, this one is a mixed bag. 'Can You Rock It Like This' bangs as does the title track to a lesser degree, with the final electro influenced 'Darryl and Joe (Krush-Groove 3)' being worthy or replays too. However, the opener just feels like an introduction and not a complete song, 'Jam-Master Jammin'' is average, as is the reggae flavoured 'Roots, Rap, Reggae'. 'It's Not Funny' sounds like a sequel to 'It's Like That' only it isn't as good. There is more variety here though which isn't a feature of their debut. Run and D.M.C aren't writing Rakim level raps yet, but they are extremely commanding MCs which was their strength out the gate. I feel like with these early rap albums you have to be a bit kind and imagine yourself in that era when this dropped. I can see it being something fresh back then, and to be fair, some of it has aged better that lots of rap released later into the '80s. Beats: ★★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★☆ Best Tracks: King of Rock, Can You Rock It Like This, Darryl and Joe (Krush-Groove 3)

The guitar in 'Rock Box' is something else. Without those riffs though, most of the production is too primitive for me to enjoy enough of the songs. 'Hard Times' and 'Wake Up' almost sound like the same song. '30 Days' sounds like it has similar drums too. There isn't a lot of variety on this one. This was an important album (to say the least), but I can't say much will have me going back to it. Beats: ★★ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★ Best Tracks: Rock Box, It's Like That

The first two tracks are funkalicious and one of the aspects I love most about hip hop. It then gets more mellow before the energy comes back with 'U Don't Have to Take It'. This is just another mid-'90s consistent funky hip hop album. There isn't a g-funk classic here, but the hooks are contagious, and I can play this on repeat enjoying the vibes. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★☆ Hooks: ★★★★ Best Tracks: Drive Me Crazy, Bounce Ta Dis, Raw Deal

Hurricane Chris' second album begins okay, but it doesn't take long to feel mostly like a collection of generic average pop rap from the era this is from. 'Secret Lover', 'Last Call', and 'Headboard' are all examples of R&B/rap crossover tracks that work okay but aren't anything unique by any stretch. 'Secret Lover' would be better without Chris sounding off beat on his part of the hook. While I don't dislike Chris as a rapper, and he spits well on tracks like 'I Want It' and the opener, there's nothing fresh. At under 40 minutes, it's not a chore to get through, but there is nothing worth keeping. Beats: ★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★☆ Hooks: ★★★ Best Tracks: I'm Back, Last Call, Secret Lover

This is extremely consistent and the most well-rounded project Dark Cappa has put out. His albums are usually T-Rock collaborations, or have his features, but Rock is missing here which does allow him to do his thing as opposed to being compared to the better rapper that is T-Rock. As I always say, Cappa's gravelly voice won't be for everyone, but there's some catchy stuff here. Beats: ★★★☆ Rapping/Bars: ★★★ Hooks: ★★★★ Best Tracks: Momma Save Me, Ride With Me, Gettin Lit