Genius/GZA Liquid Swords

Don't let the title mislead you... this ain't no drunken style! RZA mellows out the production somewhat and GZA shows why he's given credit for the mentalz. Whereas Raekwon focused on overplayed street themes, GZA packs his songs full of thoughtful messages... even if some of them are a tad simplistic. Cameos by Inspectah Deck, Ghost Face, Killah Priest, and Method Man are definitely highlights of the Clan's last great album.

DR. OCTAGON Dr. Octagon

Teaming up with Sir Menalik, Kool Keith is graced by the studio wizadry of Dan The Automator and Q-Bert of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz. Though he had been active with the Ultramagnetic MCs right up to this album, Dr. Octagon was a creative resurrection for Keith. Riding the forefront of scientific gibberish MCin', Kool Keith and Sir Menelik make a very concerted effort to propel their lyricism into the year 3000. And by avoiding jazz/rock/funk samples in favor of wigged out analog noises, the Automator lays down a tripped-out canvas for the journey above and beyond the earthly confines of hip hop. Though hardly a commercial breakthrough, Dr. Octagon was embraced by a diverse range of fans due to widespread critical acclaim.

DE LA SOUL Stakes Is High

With Prince Paul's departure from production on this album, a lot of the playfulness is lost. And the tone has gotten a little serious. But as the title suggests, these are critical times. Posdunos, Mase, and Plug-1, have taken up the rallying cry of fighting "sucker MCs", in order to reimpose all the disappearing ethics of MCing and DJing. A little contradictory. Yes. But indeed... we get the message. For an idea of what the playful Prince Paul's been up to... click here.