Hood Hop

An adequate-at-best MC and a backing track tricked out with bold thievery from a handful of established producers. Somehow this added up to one of the most rousing club-oriented singles of early 2004. 's is the major point of reference; producers use a rough approximation of that beat -- bleacher stomps meet slamming trunks -- and fill it out with elements from a handful of other outside sources, including well-placed synth zaps. Energetic, addictive, and free of redeeming social value, it's a party track in the best sense. The remainder of debut isn't nearly as consequential. ( , ) show some promise as a young production team, but the MC they're supporting is nothing to get worked up about. When he grows tired of hearing his normal voice, he switches over to a slightly strained variation, as if he's trying to make it crack. That's all he has going for now, but definitely allowed him to leave his mark. [The album was also made available in a clean version.] ~ Andy Kellman