While remaining firmly entrenched in the underground, the deep SoleSides crew has been quitely releasing the highest quality music since the early 90s. Chief Xcel and The Gift of Gab of Blackalicious, Lateef and Lyrics Born of Latryx, DJ Shadow and a very selected few guest artists are true music fans, digging in crates for new loops and developing new flows and lyric essays.

Don't plan on hearing anything remotely close to average on this compilation. Never satisfied with anything less than the best, Solesides always puts a lot into their music, and it shows on every track. Their production core, consisting of DJ Shadow and Chief Xcel, with able assists from other members of the crew are always looking for fresh elements to add. Check how many samples pass by that were the entire loop for mid 90s hip-hop songs then remember that most of the material on this compilation was originally released before 1996 and much of it was recorded well before that.

Regular visitors to the site will remember my review of the Blackalicious album, Nia. If you still haven't heard that album yet, run to HMV now. In any case, Gift of Gab is an incredible MC. His lyrics will make you think, but they also fit beats impeccably, adding to the music instead of competing with it for the listener's attention. Lateef the Truth Speaker and Lyrics Born are also first class lyricists, taking any opportunity to leave a mic ragged. All of these MCs are unconcerned with traditional definitions of hip-hop, willing to do whatever a track requires, whether it be singing, monotone or extremely varied delivery. There subject matter ranges from the standard battle calls to spiritual treatises without sounding preachy or beating you over the head.

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.

You quite simply must hear stuff like "Entropy," "The Wreckoning," "Deep In The Jungle," "Swan Lake," "Say That," "The Quickening," and "Blue Flames" if you haven't already. If you have, but don't have them on vinyl, cop this album to be reminded. Oh, and all you emcees out there, check out the over 7 minute "Freestyle Rapping" and "Lateef's Freestyle." Real freestyle, no writtens here. There's also another freestyle session as a hidden track, so don't be too quick to stop the CD after the last track.

If you consider yourself a quality hip-hop connoiseur, you quite simply MUST have this album. It's also a great opportunity for those of you less familiar with the Solesides artists to get your hands on years of their best product all at once. Although this release marks the end of the Solesides project, don't forget to keep an eye out for this crew as they continue with Quannum projects.