Brace 4 Impak
Brooklyn's underground production crew come with mad  résumé, having launched the careers ofBlack MoonandSmif-N-Wessun/Cocoa Brovasand  flipped more than a gripful of underground bangers.Brace 4  Impakboasts a lineup guaranteed to make any backpacker bug out,  includingTalib  Kweli, Diamond,Pete Rock,Ras Kass, and a  Black Moon reunion. But Evil Dee, Mr. Walt, Chocolate Ty, Baby Paul,  and Rich Black aren't the conceptualists that, say, theBomb Squadare;  consequently, the album lacks a center. That's not to say that it won't  loosen some necks.Busta RhymesandFlipmode  Squad's "Take That," Billy Flames's "Hell Yeah Oh Yeah," andLord Tariqand  Royce's title track are state of the art. Those nostalgic for a  mid-'80s true-school vibe can groove to Diamond's "Best at That" andHeather B& Freedie  Foxx's "How We Ride." The real eye openers are criminally unsung formerSoul II SoulvocalistCaron Wheelerand  Pete Rock's "Open" and Apani B. Fly MC & What What's "Shut da Fuck Up,"  both of which are raw, cerebral, and soulful.--Jeff Chang