Justice System's brand of up-tempo jazz-rap is especially fresh and invigorating since it's the creation of a real band, similar to the Roots. Members play guitar, bass, tenor sax, Rhodes piano, and drums. Their debut album, Rooftop Soundcheck, appeared in 1994 on MCA. Despite good word of mouth and constant live shows, the label dropped them. The group returned eight years later with Uncharted Terrain, on Ill River. ~ John Bush