Compilation albums are very difficult entities to deal with. They're even more hit and miss than conventional albums, simply because the listener can love certain tracks and despise others. It's especially difficult when, like with Lyricist Lounge 2, the previous album in the series met with critical success, but saw less success moving off the shelves.

This time around, Rawkus and Open Mic seem to have abandoned the Lyricist for more Lounge. Since when do JT Money or Pastor Troy rate as lyricists? It's also much less of a showcase for lesser known groups, as they've used such names as the Q-tip, the Notorius B.I.G., Cocoa Brovaz and Redman to try to help increase sales this time out.

I guess Biggie isn't really on the album, as we get only 16 bars of acapella recorded back in 1993. It's still a nice touch, even if it is somewhat of a tease. Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch and Nate Dogg team up on the blazer "Oh No," followed by Q-Tip and Words "Makin' It Blend." This is an alright track, but Q-Tip probably could have stepped up lyrically here. Wordsworth keeps his clever, punchline heavy flow. Next up is the Hi-Tek produced "Get Up" from the Cocoa Brovaz. This is vintage Smif-N-Wessun material. Tek and Steele pass mics effortlessly, and ride this simple but vibrant beat expertly. Beanie Sigel follows with a lackluster, cliche track in "Get That Dough," then Royce the 5'9" writes a song to his homies called "Let's Grow" that doesn't quite come off right.

25 II Life's Ayatollah remixes his amazing beat from Mos Def's album on "Ms. Fatbooty 2" this time around featuring Ghostface Killah in addition to the Universal Magnetic himself. The T-dot's own Saukrates teams up with Brick City's Finest, Redman on "W.K.Y.A." Look for more of this hot partnership on Redman's upcoming album. Talib Kweli and dead prez link up to buck shots at the man on "Sharp Shooters," then Kool G Rap is paired with M.O.P. in a partnership that seems to have been predestined. Unfortunately, the regular version, produced by the High & Mighty's DJ Mighty Mi is somewhat lackluster. Big Noyd and Prodigy keep the shine down with "The Grimy Way," which really doesn't stand out in any way. Erick Sermon and his latest protege Sy Scott follow with the hyperkinetic "Battle," followed by an interlude that doesn't really match up to the previous album's although it's nice to hear from Punch, newcomer Cobra Red, Planet Asia, Consequence's new group Guilty and Phil Da Agony nevertheless.

The late, great Big L is teamed with C-Town on "Still Here." This is the same L verse used on the "Platinum Plus Remix" featuring a rejuvenated Big Daddy Kane, and that track is hotter than this one. Dilated Peoples bring pack the heat with "Right and Exact" before the true brick of this album, Master Fuol, JT Money and Pastor Troy with "Watcha." Poor Fuol deserves better than that kind of partnership. The Gang Starr remix of Macy Gray's "I've Committed Murder" featuring Mos Def stokes the fire again, but then the album ends with Q-Tip's outro. Or so you thought. Keep listening (or skip to track 38) to hear legend in the making Nottz' remix of "Legendary Street Team." This beat is much hyper than Mi's, and fits M.O.P. and G Rap better. Keep an eye out for Nottz, he's been producing for cats like Lord Have Mercy and the Bad Seed (appearances from either of whom would have been welcome on this album) and every beat he touches bangs.

The heat starts with "Oh No," and continues with "Get Up," "W.K.Y.A.," "Sharp Shooters," "Right and Exact," and the bonus hidden "Legendary Street Team (Remix)."

I can't recommend this album for the simple fact that I wouldn't pay money for it. It's banned for simply having JT Money and Pastor Troy on it. What the fuck were they thinking? There is definitely some hot material on here, but other songs are just not up to par.