Jesus Price Supastar
Back in the '90s heydey of the Boot Camp Clik (Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun), few would have guessed that the rapper formerly known as Ruck from Heltah Skeltah would emerge as the Clik's most viable star. It may be because Price has had to fight his way back from recording limbo, taking the mix-CD and independent label route, but the maturing process has only enhanced Price's lyrical skills and mic presence. WithJesus Price Superstar, it's clear that the success of 2005'sMonkey Barzwas no fluke: Price shows a great deal of charm and versatility in attacking, aggressive songs like "Cardiac," and "One," or slipping into a smoother flow for "Oops Upside Your Head" or "Hearing Aid." Despite including at least eight different producers, most notably 9th Wonder and Khrysis, the album's sound is more consistent than you'd expect: 9th Wonder and others favor soul/jazz-derived tracks but there's plenty of thunder here to compliment Price's rumbling baritone. The title of the CD might raise some eyebrows but Price's resurrection is still something to marvel at.--Oliver Wang