Happy Walters' production of the 1994 Judgement Night soundtrack, stands as a revolutionary movement towards the fusion of rap and metal/alternative. Thus, it is not surprising to find Happy behind the wheel of Blade II's mix of hip-hop and electronica.

Having been a huge fan of Judgement Night, I greeted this album with much anticipation. Unfortunately, rap does not unify with electronica as strongly as it does metal. In fact, this album's standout tracks feature more hip-hop based electronica groups. Roni Size proves his hip hop worth, yielding the albums two most potent tracks on Cypress Hill's 'Child of the Wild West' and Volume 10's 'Raised in the Hood.' Mos Def proves that conscience reigns supreme with his thought provoking 'I Against I' collaboration with Massive Attack. Finally, the 'Gangsta Queens,' consisting of Trina and Rah Digga, successfully complement Groove Armada's groove.

The above-mentioned tracks make the album very enjoyable. However, the all-star lineup of Eve, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Moby, Fatboy Slim, The Roots, The Crystal Method, Jadakiss, Bubba Sparxxx, Mystikal and others, fail to unite. The result produces several tracks that lack lyrical content, and feature very repetitive choruses. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the album. If you enjoy electronica and hip-hop, be sure to pick this one up.

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