Take two talented producer/DJs and add a healthy dose of the undergrounds finest MCs and you have The Creators' The Weight. This production duo is obviously very much into the music, and after a listen, you will be too.

The album opens with an intro featuring 1200 chops by DJ Mr. Thing, then they let the listener know that it's all about "The Music" featuring the always gifted lyricism of former Artifact El Da Sensai. These two tracks set the stage for what you're about to receive. The Creators' production style is based on loops, but that is really only the beginning. The intricate layering allows them to change small sections to keep your ear guessing while keeping the banging beats present for the entire song. Not every song is super-hype though, some of the better tracks are quite laid back in their approach. As a whole, this album presents a nice spectrum of styles.

Lyrically, they've gone to some of the best, although not every track works. The aforementioned El Da Sensai leads a procession of lyricists to eat from the tables. Evidence (of Dilated Peoples), veteran Craig G and Will Pack, Likwit rhymer Phil Da Agony, Mike Zoot, F.T., the Lootpack, Mos Def and Talib Kweli shine as we're used to. Newcomers (to my ear anyway) Tribel and Out Da Ville also represent. I'm not really feeling Consequence's tracks, but I've never really felt him to begin with.

The big drawback to this album, if it can be said to be one, is that it comes off as more of a compilation album than as a single cohesive album. This is probably due to the large number of guest artists. Like a compilation though, the variety of styles can be appreciated. The interludes between tracks also add to the album, with some of the beats being so nice that you'll be upset they're so short. As a matter of fact, the beats for the interludes seem generally to be nicer than the ones they have emcees on. Why oh why, couldn't there be a long ass instrumental of interludes like "Zooted?" Freestylers everywhere should mourn. You've got just over a minute on "Internatio Nal Ghetto," so don't waste any time. Actually, none of the songs clock in over 5 minutes, so those of you with short musical attention spans should check this one for sure.

Insane tracks like "The Music," "Kronkite," "No Love," and "Hard Margin" lead the way. Following close behind are tracks like "Street Connexions," "[Another] Another World," "W.A.R.," and "The Cypher."

While there's nothing that will blow your head top off here, this is definitely worth checking out. If you like variety, and want to hear some emcees who get less exposure, this is a great album to add to your rotation.