Not since Aqua has a group of cartoon-fixated, stylistically scatterbrained lunatics sounded so entertaining. [Feb 2002, p.121]

Lovage only works some of the time--the record's sense of humor often trumps its music. [Feb 2002, p.123]

Beyoncé's always been a capable singer, and she's grown even more so on Survivor. [June 2001, p.151]

KRS-One sounds as hungry and passionate as ever.... Unfortunately, a barrage of rigid, same-sounding beats and canned choruses detracts from Attack's effectiveness. [June 2001, p.154]

You don't even need to be strung out in a dark room full of beautiful strangers to enjoy it. [June 2001, p.158]

Despite its trippy promise, the album sometimes falters because of Quaye's quirky, self-indulgent lyrics. [Apr 2001, p. 170]

Although the majority of The Last Meal's17 tracks are scrumptious, a couple of bland dishes found their way onto the menu. Although this album isn't quite as inventive as Doggystyle, Snoop blesses us with the right blend of West Coast gangsta funk, R&B, and that one of a kind flow we can't get enough of.

Though not as raw as the original versions, due mainly to the sometimes overly polished production of her sons Donto James and Sametto James, Etta's raw voice alone helps to retain the melancholy moods of these tales of lost love, strife, and movin' on.

With Xzibit coming with nothing but raw and uncensored lyrics, Restless is not for those with tender ears. Formerly one of hip hop's most underrated artists, it's gonna be hard to continue to sleep on him after this album. Xzibit is finally poised to get the credit he deserves.

After being imitated for the last seven years, Wu-Tang Clan returns with another chamber for today's soft and silky rap. But don't get it twisted though. Despite their last album, Wu-Tang Forever, leaving fans uneasy, the Wu's third collective work, The W is crammed with nothing but Wu-bangas.

Beyond Badu's self-appointed role as a teacher, what she does best is create really good music.... It should come as no surprise that Mama's Gun's organic feel comes from the team that helped produce D'Angelo's Voodoo. However, the most important sound of all is her unmistakable voice, making all of her songs like ornately crafted gems - even the unintelligible ones.

Stankonia leaves nothing to be desired as it is energized by Outkast's clever lyrics coupled with their cutting edge production, which is an expansive take on the original Atlanta sound.

Size earns his crown as he breaks through the jungle unscathed on In the Mode. He rises above mainstream neighbors Tricky and Massive Attack to take credit for an eclectic mix of what would have been one painfully long trip if left to any old Limelight DJ.

Although Mystikal's last two albums earned him platinum plaques, Let's Get Ready is poised to be the album that will put him over the top.... However, Let's Get Ready does have a few slip-ups. The Neptunes-produced "Jump" - previously available on the Any Given Sunday soundtrack - displays the production team's sloppy tendency to recycle their beats.

Although everything on The Ecleftic might not be for everybody, make no mistake, this album is ahead of its time. Forget about Britney Spears... Wyclef's done it again!

Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, their most contemporary offering yet, is the trio's successful return as ousted royalty destined to reclaim their kingdom in hip hop.

On their major debut, The Platform, Dilated Peoples try to approach the line between commercial success and underground maintenance.... In the process, the group achieves mixed results.

Eminem has crafted the best album of the year so far with The Marshall Mathers LP and it comes dangerously close to being a classic.