Those fortunate enough to have heard "Soul Control,"the "Stakes Is High," remix or "I'm Rhymin,'" had to have sky-scraping expectations for the Polyrhythm Addicts' album. And after hearing it, you had to be

somewhat disappointed. Three gifted lyricists and the exceptional talents of DJ Spinna, how could Rhyme Related not be spectacular?

If you heard "Motion 2000" - easily the best song of this album - previous to the album release, you had to be salivating at the thought of a full length! This song pillages speakers. The guitar licks and heavy-duty bass force concrete to move.

But the remainder of Rhyme Related is void of stand out material. "Big Phat Boom" - good, but not great - supplies a melody your ears will appreciate, while the trio of mc's display skills that have earned them a strong underground following. But far too many other tracks will leave you puzzled at how this group can sound so amazing and so mediocre all within one record.

Songs like "Should Have Known Better", where the Polyrhythm Addicts bring a much needed - and appreciated - social awareness to the listener, do not come close to the potential this group has shown themselves capable. The listener is left starving for grooves that should have been. Like expecting a yummy steak dinner, and getting a

bologna sandwich; hungry not because you haven't eaten, but because you were expecting to dine on something better.

But this group receives praise none the less. They receive the Fugee Watch Award - Lauryn Hill and company didn't always have the Grammy awards! This group will be a force in hip hop in the very near future. Polyrhythm Addicts' best is yet to come, believe that!

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