Bon Appetit
OC's third attempt at world domination comes in the shape ofBon Appetit. After initially hitting the hip-hop scene onOrganized Konfusion's classic jam "Fudge Pudge," OC went on to wreck plenty of mics. However, despite the occasional minor classic (headz may remember hisbaaadmid-'90s underground hit, "Time's Up") he never really blew up the way his contemporariesJay-ZandNasdid, possibly because his game was never completely consistent. Using the tried and tested beat-making skills of longtime collaborator Buckwild, OC steps with a selection of tracks that swing from hardcore posse cuts to easy-going funk spots.Alas, it wouldn't be right to say that every cut here is on point; too many tracks lack the energy and/or lyrical suss to push them beyond the point of mediocrity. When he does hit the spot he rocks it well, and there's certainly enough potential to suggest that one day he'll deliver the extra twists and bites his sound and rhymes need to make him a worldwide success. Sadly, this album isn't the breakthrough we'd all like it to be.--Paul Sullivan