This is one weird-ass release: 12 classic rap songs, from artists like LL Cool J and Ice T, covered by (mostly East Coast) hardcore bands like Skarhead and Throwdown. The result is a bastard of the purest breed, if there is such a thing. The cool thing with compilations like this, is the different approach the bands take to their version of well-known songs: Stretch Arm Strong (who I never associated with rap in the first place) kick off this compilation with a punky cover of N.W.A.’s “Express yourself”, Diehard Youth comes up with a posi-version of “Bust A Move” by the Young MC and it takes the Hoods exactly ninety seconds to annihilate “Mama Said Knock You Out” in their pounding hardcore version. On the other hand, Throwdown begin their version of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” by sounding way too much like Limp Bizkit before they tear it up with a hard-hitting breakdown and the singer from The Movielife must scare the shit out of all the people he knows by sounding EXACTLY like Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav. Don’t ask me how he does it, just listen for yourself. One of the highlights of this disc is the touch of hysteria Candiria adds to Dr.

Dre’s “Deep Cover” in their kick-ass version, but this doesn’t surprise me, since they have a lot of rap influences in their own songs as well. Which brings me to my favorite track of this CD: “The World Is Yours” (Originally by Nas) done by E-Town Concrete. E-Town Anthony has already proved his skills on E-Town’s two full-length albums and he flows like mad in this song that sounds like the original as well as one of their own songs. F.O. The Smack Magnet (Who doesn’t know them?) add a touch of humor with the ultra-silly “The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground and No Redeeming Social Value display even less taste and class than I expected in their song “Fresh”, which they play so old school that even the Fresh 3 MC’s will say ‘Wow!’. Fun release: if you like rap and/or hardcore, if you’re nuts about one of the bands featured here or if you want to hear a fresh new approach to some eighties rap, get this. Although the rip-off of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Ready To Die”-album cover might be worth it as well.