2000 Bc
Last time, he was mad atLL Cool J. This time Canibus is just mad, and his animalistic lyrics prove it throughout the 14 tracks that make up2000 B.C.. "In bare knuckle boxing speed is the object / weaving and dodging with defensive blocking," he says of his lyrical strategy on the title cut. And he sticks to that plan as he rips through tracks laced with strings, classical choirs, pianos, and merciless drums. Canibus loops an answering-machine message for the hook on "Mic-nificent" and trades verses with the legendaryRakimon "I'll Buss 'Em U Punish 'Em." Hip-hop hasn't heard it this raw in a long time. But for those who like it smooth and poppy,2000 B.C.is way before your time.--Kenji Jasper