Gift of Game
FromRun-D.M.C.'s unlikely courtship ofAerosmithtoAnthrax's union withPublic Enemy, seemingly polar opposites have spawned a whole musical genre popularized by the likes ofKorn,Limp Bizkit, andKid Rock. Crazy Town'sThe Gift of the Gameneatly slots into the rap-rock category. They obviously carry some clout, amassing an impressive guest roster for a debut album, including godfathers of the sceneRed Hot Chili Pepperson stand-out track "Butterfly" andKRS-Oneon the storming "B-Boy 2000." As debut albums go, this is about as accomplished and cocksure as you get.--Helen Marquis