Highlite Zone
On their third album, Philadelphia's High and Mighty return with a formula they've perfected throughout their time in the underground: beats as sharp as cleats combined with Mr. Eon's no-nonsense, battering flow. It's a routine that's usually better suited to singles than albums but withHighlite Zone, DJ Mighty Mi and Eon expand the scope of their craft. The old school gets a plug on "Take It Off," borrowing from Philly's Hilltop Hustlers' classic, late '80s "Juice Crew Dis" andDe La Soul's song by the same name as Eon clowns the trend in throwback jerseys and retro sneakers. "Rock the House" invites in beat box wizardRahzelto contribute some fist and spit to the song's party vibe. The most unexpected track though is "Fast Food Nation," named after Eric Schlosser'sbook, which finds Eon taking on the processed food industry (don't expect McDonalds to sponsor the High and Mighty anytime soon). Underground beats and rhymes + dietary consciousness?Highlite Zoneoffers hip hop that's hot--and healthy.--Oliver Wang