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It's understandable when artists want to grow their fan base in order to more easily make a living and also reach a larger group of listeners. The trick, of course, is how to do this without releasing artistically compromised records that, well, suck. L.A. underground vets J5 were almost a supergroup from the start, combining the formidable talents of the Unity and Rebels of Rhythm crews. If anyone deserves to move beyond the backpack clique, it's them (well, and Aceyalone). And while no one's going to condemn the band for pulling a Black Eyed Peas here, it's hard to imagine really listening to this album as much as its two predecessors, either. Take the lead single, "Work It Out": the jam has a smoove, down-tempo vibe that's nice enough, and the Dave Matthews vocal on the chorus is pretty excellent. But the lyrics--which deal with not only let's-get-back-together-baby material, but also vaguely PC hip-hop--never gel. It makes one yearn for the actual Daisy Age. There are a few outstanding tracks, but overall this is a hip-hop album that sounds as if it were written by a corporate committee--each song directed at a particular demographic--rather than a mini-manifesto crafted to get your fists pumping and/or your feet moving.
--Mike McGonigal
Product Description
Japanese limited edition issue of the album classic in a deluxe, miniaturized LP sleeve replica of the original vinyl album artwork.
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
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$9.97
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