Even In Darkness
When asked to name a current crew that conceptualizes to the standard set byPublic Enemyand their crack production team, the Bomb Squad, hip-hop historian Harry Allen didn't hesitate before saying, "The Dungeon Family. I think those guys are scientists." That's an observant description of the Atlanta-based collective, featuringGoodie Mob,Outkast, andSociety of Soulalongside the production teams Organized Noize and Earth Tone 3.Even in Darknessdisplays the ensemble's ability to isolate various elemental aspects of hip-hop and recombine them into fresh-sounding, organically pure compositions. Breaking it down, you'll find you're on Planet Rock: a strong portion ofFunkadelicmixed in with second-generation bass culture, turntablism, and sweet soul harmonies (courtesy of Cee-Lo and the amazing Sleepy Brown). But don't get nervous--conceptualization does not mean intellectualization. These are straight-up hip-hop party tunes, floss rhymes and all. As the Dungeon Family themselves advise, "Follow the lights, they lead to something."  Something exceptional.--Rebecca Levine