While cards such Ma$e, Puffy and Will Smith have been taking mainstream by storm, the hip hop anti-mainstream has brought considerable success to the intellectual lyricist like Common, Sadat X, and Black Star (Mos Def & Talib Kweli). This compilation album, like these artists should continue this underground movement away from mainstream, back to hip hop's roots. 'Soundbombing II' presents an array of little known artists who posses lyrical skills far beyond the grasp of some of mainstreams' hottest artists. It's a style that definitely grows on you. Only about half the artists on this compilation were recognizable names. The other half, excluding Eminem, have all made a name for themselves in the hip hop world without relying on MTV's or Much Music's support. Such artists include Mos Def, Prince Paul, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Kid Capri, Grand Puba, Common, Sadat X & Cocoa Brovaz.

The first single, "1-9-9-9" is just blazing. It features Common and Sadat X who verses leave you pumped and ready for the new millenium. The chorus shows dj hi-tek's scratching ability which plays a big part in this song. "Mayor" by Pharoahe Monch has a definite Wu-Tang feel to the song. This lyricist weaves a captivating tale that makes this song one of the best on the album. The female chorus plays like putty in your hands. "Chaos" by Reflection Eternal is a bubbly laid back track that features Bahamadia, whose vocals catch you off guard, and are unlike any other female rapper. "B-Boy Document 99" by The High & Mighty features Mos Def & Mad Skillz. It's got a great beat and a catchy chorus, and would've been much better if they'd cut the intro back.

This album is what true hip hop is about. Unfortunately Rawkus Records took away from the skillz of their little known artists by bringing in big name artists to do crappy intros for most of the songs. This took away from the overall appeal of the album. But, outside of that, this is a pretty good album. This style grows on you, it's not always flashy, but more so simple and increasingly attractive with every listen. This isn't just car stereo music, it's headphone music, whereby you actually grow to appreciate what these artists are saying. For those who are feeling the Mos Def/Common hip hop movement, then this album is a must. Otherwise, its probably best that you stick to your mainstream.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written June 8, 1999