Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits 4
This compilation is packed tighter with hits than hoochies in front of the stage at a Cash Money concert. Which makes sense because tastemaking magThe Sourceenforces hip-hop's chart hegemony through its corporate-controlled coverage--with one notable exception: theMade Men. This Boston-based crew are old pals of David Mays (The Source's publisher) and have been shamelessly supported by said mag for years in spite of their minimal talent. Nepotism, anyone? Fortunately, they don't seem to be getting anywhere, except onto this compilation. Aside from their suspicious inclusion, all the usualBillboardsuspects are here, from agitated one-note barkerDMXto whiny whiteyEminem. Guilty pleasures likeShyne's incriminating "Bad Boyz" and theThree 6 Mafia's neo-Funky Cold Medina"Sippin' on Some Syrup" share space with two (count 'em) decent tracks:Common's "The Light" andDe La Soul's "Oooh."--Cristina Restrepo