Take a Bite Outta Rhyme
Since manyLimp Bizkit,Eminem, andKornfans aren't hip to the original rap influences that informed the late-1990s rap-metal explosion,Take a Bite Outta Rhyme's intentions are honorable--have rock bands cover tunes by rap luminaries such asPublic Enemy,LL Cool J, andIce-T. But things go astray withDynamite Hack's intentionally sappy reworking ofEazy-E's "Boys-n-the Hood," followed by weak efforts from the overhypedInsane Clown Posse,Bloodhound Gang, andDope. Then there are unimpressive entries from Driver,Factory 81, andMindless Self Indulgence. The best renditions are heavy ones:Staind's "Bring the Noise,"Sevendust's "Going Back to Cali," and Nonpoint's "The Tribute," which salutesSlick Rick,Busta Rhymes, and theWu-Tang  Clan. Rap-rock has come a long way sinceAerosmithandRun-D.M.C.did "Walk This Way" andAnthraxperformed a duet with Public Enemy, but as this CD indicates, the genre hasn't necessarily arrived at a better place.--Katherine Turman