Drawing off that famous line off Snoop Dogg's 'Doggystyle' album comes Skratch Bastid's latest mixtape venture: Better Ask Somebody. His last mix, Blazin, was my favourite album of 2003, but having set such a high precedent, I have to admit I'm a little bit disappointed with his latest mix.

Better Ask Somebody has a gritty gangsta feel, while providing a taste of underground Canadian acts including Pip Skid, John Smith, Birdapres and hometown Halifax favourites Tachichi, Kaleb Simmonds and Kunga219. 'The Dirty Dirty' is one of my favorites as the bastid's cuts blend nicely into Bone Crusher's 'Never Scared.' Following this trend is Nas and Lil Jon's gritty 'Quick to Back Down.' Two of the most impressive joints come back-to-back from the hands of Black Moon with 'Looking Down The Barrel' and 'Thatz How It Iz.' Also the producer of the infamous Jay-Z The Grey Album, Dangermouse makes an appearance with his rhyming partner Jemini on 'The Only One.'

At 29 tracks, Skratch Bastid is able to maintain a relatively rugged theme throughout this mixtape. Although not as hit-friendly its Blazin predecessor, Better Ask Somebody will no doubt appeal to a little bit of gangsta in all of us.

Click here to buy the album at accesshiphop.com