Hot Water Music 7"
Where We Belong/ Moonpies
NO IDEA Records
> While rummaging through my local record store's collection of seven inches I came across a large selection of Hot Water Music albums. Many of which I did not even know existed. It seems that this band must put out a new album every month from what I have seen. There are numerous CDs and records that bare the name Hot Water Music. Besides that, while listening to this new album I drifted off into a mellow state. My breath became light and I thought of the cherry trees in West Virginia. My mind was overrun with images of children playing and teenagers kissing too. All in all I would say that if you are a happy teenager in love this is for you-Leonard Greco
Pharoahe Monch- Internal Affairs
Soundbombing
Rawkus Records
> Straight out of Mutha Fukin Queens! Pharoahe Monch represent'n Rawkus is bringing it to you raw with Internal Affairs. The Monchsta's latest release is definitely something to be heard. Kick off your Timberlands, sit back, and smoke some Chronic mutha fucka cause dis-shit is what you gonna be play'n those video games to.
> This new album contains lyrical assassinations from many other hip-hop stars than that of Monch. Canibus, Busta Rhymes, RedMan, Method Man, and others make appearances. When this shit happens: Pharoahe+ Intense Hip-Hop masters, you get gangsta ass booty shakin Rhymes. So go get it Byotch.
> Along with the purchase of Internal Affairs you should also pick up Soundbombing, another Rawkus Release. This shit goes Bling-Bling when you're chillin in tha ghetto or just straight up kick'n it. Turntable wizardry by Evil Dee accompanied with Mos Def, Kool Keith, DJ HiTek, and others is all you'll need for your next BBQ. So go pick it up before you crack a cold one
-Leonard Greco
Guru's Jazzmatazz
An experimental fusion of hip-hop and jazz
Chrysalis Records
About 45 minutes ago I sat down to review this and couldn't bring myself to pick up a pen until the entire CD played through. Guru (of Gangstarr) accompanied by some of today's best jazz musicians create Jazzmatazz, an experimental fusion of hip-hop and jazz. This was a CD I could really feel, mellow out and just lounge. The energy of the live jazz combined with the monotone vocals of The Guru is enough to induce trancelike relaxation for hours.-Shawn Salinger
Piecemeal
Somewhere Between Crucifixion and Resurrection Lies Redemption
Wonderdrug Recordss
Viscous breakdowns & blaring guitar rifts in perfect violent harmony with a screaming message to change the world. Pay attention to the sound, a battle between good and evil communicated from instrument to instrument. Although very emotional and somewhat philosophical, listening to someone bark their morals in your ear should be taken in small doses. Yet it's perfect for the times you want to ponder about the fate of mankind, or clean your room with a baseball bat.-Shawn Salinger
Jamie Head
Relentless
Independent
After hearing this CD, Relentless is the only word I could use to describe it. Viscously abusing beats with beautiful metaphors and intellectual flows. His poetry in motion relays a simple message, strive to be the best. Sit back and let the disc play, put your mind into this one. You might even learn something, if you can actually comprehend the words he spit three lines ago, before the whole song is over. Like the name says, Relentless. And he holds what every real M.C. should: lyrical skill with a passion to rhyme,-Shawn Salinger
