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. ~ Jon Azpiri