(SHUFFLE)

Another compilation surfaces, this time from Violator records. The brainchild of "Baby" Chris Lighty, Violator has been around for a long time, and their stable includes many talented, previously talented and non-talented artists.

Unfortunately, rather than enlist the duties of their talented artists, there is far too much filler on this album, even for a compilation. There are some strong tracks here, but there is just far too much searching to do to find them.

The album begins with the new solo offering from Q-Tip. I don't hate this song, but I'm not really feeling it either, and I know Tip can come a lot stronger. Next up is the Nottz produced "Whatcha Come Around Here For" featuring Flipmode Squad. Once again, the Flipmodians bring da ruckus, hyping up a party the way only they can. Pay particular attention to verses from Rah Digga and Lord Have Mercy, both of whom are supposed to have forthcoming albums.

Next up is the lackluster Noreaga & Scarlett track "I Wanna Fuck You." As imaginative as the title is, the track is worse. The hook is disgustingly boring and repetitive, Noreaga's rhymes continue to deteriorate, and Scarlett can only rhyme the word me with itself. The also steadily deteriorating LL Cool J brings nothing new to the table on "Say What." EZ Elpee, best known for tracks for such underground luminaries as Mike Zoot can't be blamed as the track is hittin. Maybe LL needs to take his own advice. "Once you crossover baby ain't no coming back. Believe dat."

Da Franchise featuring the flavour of the month, Ja Rule are up next with "First Degree." The Vibesmen produced track is a little simplistic, but kinda nice still. The hook is rather boring, I mean can Ja Rule please say "It's Murda" a couple of more times. I don't think he has killed his little catch phrase yet.

Fat Joe, Big Pun and Eightball weigh in next with "Heavy Weights." Despite the size of the artists, this track is just anything but fat. Cru, who disappeared almost completely after their excellent debut album are up next with "Ohh Wee." At first listen, this seems to be another commercial ass track, but listen a little harder and you'll witness one of the better tracks on the album, despite Chadio's rather typical (and played out) New York nigga flow. This one could probably be quite successful in the clubs.

Another lackluster track follows as Mysonne, Ma$e and Eightball bring "Do What Playas Do." Just do your ears and brain a favour and skip this one. Mobb Deep show up to stick you again with "Nobody Likes Me." For some reason, despite the limited subject matter, Mobb Deep always manages to bring the flavour.

The required R&B flav is next with Next featuring Mysonne on "Nobody." Just another average track with a below average rapper. Pass. Noreaga, Final Chapter, Iman Thug, Capone, Scarlett, Maze and Musaliny drop "Thugged Out Niggas." Sad, sad, sad. Honestly, Scarlett is one of the worst emcees I've EVER heard, and the hook on this one is truly pitiful. No one seems to be much better than Scarlett on this track either.

Big Noyd comes next with "Shit That He Said." Over beautiful production from Havoc, this Infamous Mobb member sticks more niggas. It's really hard not to like this track. I think what I like about Mobb tracks is that musically and lyrically they're excellent. Someone has to represent for the thugs, and I'd rather it be someone with talent rather than all the no-talent thugs out there. (That's you Nore).

Next, the consistent Beatnuts bring "Beatnuts Forever." It's not their best track ever, but it's nice nevertheless. I really dislike Cam'Ron, so I was more surprised than anyone to find that I'm kinda feeling "What My Niggas Want" featuring Busta. Mysonne appears solo on "The Truth," but the real truth is that he should have been kept far away from the mic.

"Who Can I Trust" brings Cormega and the Hot Boys together. The track is pretty boring, but Cormega provides a fairly impressive lyrical performance. As a matter of fact, everyone who rhymes on this track is fairly impressive, so it doesn't come off too badly.

The "Bus-A-Bus Remix" is aiight, but not up to Busta's capabilities. The DJ Scratch produced track is also mediocre at best. L Boogie (no, not Lauryn, some no-talent brotha), Sonya Blade, Noreaga, Mysonne, Prodigy and Busta are brought together on Violators. Sonya rips it as best as she can over the boring Swizz Beats track, as does Prod and Bus, but everyone else is a throwaway.

The final verdict: There are some really nice tracks on here, but like I said, there's just too much searching to find them. As a compilation, this one just isn't worth fronting the cash for.

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