Nocturnal
Boot Camp Clik's Heltah Skeltah turn out willfully low-tech, floss-free music. The duo's philosophy ("Undastand / To be the man ain't even in the plan") is sort of a corner-dweller's adaptation ofTribe'scredo ("beats, rhymes & grime"), with a hefty dose of weed and some potential violence thrown in for good measure. Noted underground producers, including Evil Dee, Mr. Walt, and theAlkaholiks' very own E-Swift, help give form to the album's snaky vibe, which progresses under palpable clouds of blunt smoke. Ruc and Roc's lyrics are not overly complex, centering on cipher battles ("Clan's, Posse's, Crew's & Clik's"), turf wars ("Grate Unknown"), and an amusingly wack attempt at a booty call ("Getting' Ass, Getting' Ass"). The criminally underrated Vinia Mojica, also heard gracingCommon's hipster classic,Like Water for Chocolategets some run here, singing the hook on "Therapy."--Rebecca Levine