Before I ever thought I would be living in Vancouver, I had heard of Hastings. That notorious street on Vancouver's eastside. Crack and heroin in epic proportions. It came into a different perspective when I began to live here. Generally, this lotus land on Canada's west coast is wealthy. The cost of living is higher, and the ratio of yuppies to the rest of us is also very high. Yet in the heart of this luxury is the poorest neighbourhood in Canada.

M.A.D. L.O.V.E. is an acronym for Making A Difference Living on Vancouver's Eastside. This album is the perfect vehicle to showcase Vancouver Hip Hop to the rest of the country, and to directly affect the community these artists represent. The net proceeds go directly to the Sheway Project, a program that helps new mothers deal with drug and alchohol issues. So, go buy it. Oh wait - the music is sick too.

There are all types of styles, and all types of mc's. Right off the top is "Highlife" - a rough track by Checkmate featuring Conscise. It makes me feel like I'm rollin' late night in my fat ride (even if it is an '87 Mustang). Checkmate may just be the hardest working rapper in the west and has earned my respect.

"Minimal" by Social Deviantz is built over a jazzy guitar which changes the mood a bit. Shorty Reck is featured and truly shines.

The best of the album in my opinion are "Told Ya So..." a smooth Moka Only joint where another side of his personality, named Ron Contour, shows up to strut some stuff, and the last song, "My Advice" by Swollen Members, which is a deep dark way to end things ("..think twice, the price you pay is you life, my advice"). Damn has Prev One got a vocabulary on him!

Shines 'N' F-Roc come off with a nice track, and White Plains and 2Ra each contribute decent songs to this compilation.

2-Tone, White Plains and CIA get into the heavy production side of things. Really funky shit.

Also on M.A.D. L.O.V.E. you can peep Mr.Bigstuff, formerly a member of Organized Rhyme who has gone into the deep end of rap. This cat is bustin' some synth Judas Priest steez, that actually sounds good (check "Junk in the Trunk"). Also rollin' with Bigstuff are CIA and The Stunt Man with Deception, Zeus and Royal.

If you're looking for a flavour of the west coast, M.A.D. L.O.V.E will give you a mouthful.