Ravipops
Even without a 12-inch to his name, Bronx bomber C-Rayz Walz would still get over on the strength of his battle raps and powers of oh-so-freely associative thought. But unlike many who earned their stripes routing their fellow MC-kind, this vernacular-flipping wunderkind - a veteran of some five singles and the author of 2001's lauded Prelude LP - has managed to consistently find his voice through written rhyme. Consequently, he has evolved into one heck of a recording artist. This is apparent throughout Ravi Pops, where the punch lines are plentiful and uncommonly good, but play a background role to more heartfelt fare like "Protect My Family" and "'86." Content-wise, Ravi Pops isn't breaking ground, but Rayz brings a certain level of blue-collar authenticity to everything he touches. So when he harkens back to when "the livest stage used to be in your apartment," you can't help but wish you were there in the room with him.Rehan Mirza--From URB Magazine