As Tommy Boy introduces their new Black label, they needed a way to showcase the new artists they've signed. Enter Hip Hop 101, a journey through the halls of the new label, executed by De La Soul. Having these three sonic veterans compile the collection was a brilliant move. You just knew the album was going to be hot, even if it doesn't meet with all the commercial success some of these tracks deserve.

First up is Self Scientific with "The Best Part." This critically acclaimed underground emcee does an excellent job making want to continue listening. Then the Jigmastas blaze onto the scene with "Let Me Hear It." De La brings Camp Lo back from wherever they'd vanished to to bless "So Good," then Defari comes to "Blast" the half-ass.

Tony Touch isn't really in Talib Kweli's rhyming weight class, but he manages to hold his own on "What They May Seem," Strick and Royce the 5'9" let head's know "It's Over," then Da Matrix presents a message to a "Beat Biter."

The Natural Elements once again bless head as they "Live It Up, Part 2" then Maseo of De La makes his lyrical debut with the banging "Words & Verbs" featuring Kovas. Masta Ace brings "Splash" a continuation of his beat oriented yet strong lyrical new style. The standout track on this album in my opinion, is "Pockets" by the Bad Seed. For those who have never heard of him, The Bad Seed and his crew, O.B.S. (the Original Blunted Soldiers Meatpie and Pumpkinhead) always come fresh and "Pockets" is no exception, as the Bad Seed has an elightening conversation with his good and evil pockets.

Medina Green blesses us with "I C," but this track actually doesn't bang the way some of the others on the album do. Closing it out, we have Royce the 5'9" again on "I Won't Be" and the Deadly Snakes with "Culebras (remix)."

All in all, this is a very good album, with a variety of strong tracks by established and critically acclaimed artists as well as a few new acts for heads. Look for good things to come from this label.