Global Warning

Album Review

Rascalz second album is a compelling follow-up to their impressive album, Cash Crop. In an attempt to reach out to a wider audience, Rascalz employ a variety of guest stars that range from Canadian rappers K-Os, Muzion, and Choclair to American MCs KRS-One and Beatnuts. Throw in more cameos by dancehall legend Barrington Levy, Canadian rocker Esthero, and professional wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart and you have a wildly diverse assembly of artists that only enhance the rhymes of Rascalz' MCs Red One and Misfit. The highlight is the album's second single, "Top of the World," where Rascalz let their dancehall roots shine. The track features a guest appearance by dancehall legend Barrington Levy whose trademark riffing and yodeling lay over a tight guitar and string track. "Priceless" mixes a Tchaikovsky melody with a mellow sax loop and a haunting vocal by Esthero, and "As It Is" makes effective use of a harpsichord sample underlying a guest appearance by Choclair. "Population Control," a plea for greater community involvement, shows Rascalz lyrical maturity.

The album's biggest disappointment is the album's first single, "Sharpshooter," a misguided rap/rock hybrid that features pro wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart. More impressive is the guitar-based "Can't Relate," a slamming track featuring Psycho Les and Juju from Beatnuts.

On the whole, the album highlights the band's impressive production by Kemo who has an uncanny ability to mix genres, demonstrating that Rascalz are capable of producing a wide variety of music while still staying true to their roots.