Dvd in R&B, Hip Hop & Rap Music

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"Get Lifted (Special Edition)" (12/06/2005) R&B Legend, John, Columbia (USA)Personnel: John Legend (vocals, piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ, keyboards); Kanye West (rap vocals, programming); Snoop Dogg (rap vocals); Dave Tozer (guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, programming); Miri Ben-Ari (strings); Tim Izo (flute, saxophone); Printz Board (trumpet); Will.I.Am (Moog synthesizer, programming). Recording information: The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY; Westlake Audio, Hollywood, California. Six years after cutting his musical teeth as a teen, tickling the ivories on the classic Lauryn Hill single "Everything Is Everything," John Stephens popped up everywhere in 2004, going by the bold name of John Legend. His ubiquity was unsurprising, since he was taken under the wing of Kanye West, the year's breakout success, who tabbed Legend "the future of hip-hop." It's an interesting label for a man whose elegant voice and schooled songwriting conjures up Bill Withers and Al Green, but sometimes the future intersects with the past in a manner transcending revival. Legend drops his debut, GET LIFTED, into the center of the neo-soul universe, and it's a charming, earnest record. Sometimes he dives into a contemporary slow jam, as on "Let's Get Lifted;" other times he finds a groove the Delfonics would be proud of, as on the West-driven "Number One." On the gently gorgeous "Ordinary People, " however, it's just the man and his piano. Whether he's truly the future direction of any genre or not, Legend is an artist to watch, and GET LIFTED offers the first major taste of his talent.

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"We Like to Party: The Essential Dance Mix Collection" (11/09/2004) R&B Various Artists, Empire Music WerksThis release includes a bonus DVD.

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"Eternal E: The Best Of Gangsta Memorial Edition [PA] [Remaster]" (09/06/2005) R&B Eazy-E, Priority Records (USA)Personnel includes: Eazy-E, Gangsta Dresta, B.G. Knocc Out, Sylk (rap vocals). Producers include: Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, Naughty By Nature, Cold 187um, Bobby "Bobcat" Erwin. Recorded between 1988 & 1996. This Priority Records re-release has an expanded tracklist and includes the vicious Dr. Dre-diss songs "Real Muthafuckin G's" and "Old School Shit." Personnel: Eazy-E (rap vocals); Gangsta Dresta, B.G. Knocc Out, Sylk (rap vocals). Compiled the same year of Eazy-E's untimely death, ETERNAL E surveys the gangsta rap pioneer's illustrious career, collecting a slew of best-loved tracks that demonstrate his lasting influence on the game. Focusing heavily on Eazy's classic solo debut, EAZY-DUZ-IT, ETERNAL E also contains selections from the N.W.A. group albums, STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON and NIGGAZ4LIFE (though only the ones that have Eazy rhyming alone). For the crate diggers, ETERNAL E also features the hard-to-find "Eazy Street," which appeared on the obscure RETURN OF SUPERFLY soundtrack.

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"The Ultimate Collection [Box]" (11/16/2004) R&B Jackson, Michael, Legacy RecordingsPersonnel include: Michael Jackson (vocals, percussion); Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Seidah Garrett, Diana Ross (vocals); The Notorious B.I.G., Vincent Price (rap vocals); Chris Tucker (spoken vocals); Larry Carlton, Mike Sembello, Tito Jackson, David Williams , Marlo Henderson (guitar); Jim Horn (saxophone); David "Hawk" Wolinski (electric piano); Michael Boddicker (synthesizer); John Robinson , Nathan Watts, Bobby Watson (bass instrument); Ollie Brown, Bill Bottrell (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Jackson, Richard Heath (percussion); Jim Gilstrap, Augie Johnson (background vocals); The Seawind Horns. Recording information: 1969 - 2004. By 2004, Michael Jackson's bizarre image almost completely obscured the talent that had made him an international superstar. However, he became a musical icon by simply being the best at creating and performing pop songs. The opening moments alone of hits like "Rock with You" and "Billie Jean" would make them classic, but every aspect of these songs adds up to perfect radio pop. Jackson's THRILLER, after all, didn't simply luck into being the biggest-selling record of its time; each of its seven Top 10 hits had unique charms and drew from different elements of the pop universe. While there have been many previous Jackson hits collections, the four-CD/one-DVD ULTIMATE COLLECTION is just that--it represents Jackson's whole career, from his youthful days with the Jackson 5 to the early years of the 21st century. (The rare omissions--"Human Nature," "Heal the World"--show up live on the DVD.) Mixed in with his numerous hits are previously unreleased songs, demo versions of hits, album tracks, and odds and ends, most remarkably, one of the earliest versions of "We Are the World" with almost completely different lyrics. THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION expertly chronicles the career of one of the most important, if unusual, pop artists of all time.

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"Money Is Still A Major Issue [PA]" (08/24/2004) R&B Pitbull (Rap), TVT (USA)Personnel: Pitbull (rap vocals); Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Mr. Vegas, Oobie, Piccalo, Trick Daddy, Cubo, Bun B (rap vocals). Recording information: 4 Star, South Beach, FL. Miami rapper Pitbull asserts that while crunk is most associated with the Atlanta, Georgia sound, the origin of the music is a few hundred miles south in Florida. He contends that crunk is merely the bass music of his hometown slowed down. Pitbull backs up his claim with his stirring (and aptly named) debut, M.I.A.M.I. After growing up on a mix of traditional Cuban music and hardcore West Coast rap, Pitbull allows both sounds to influence his particular brand of crunk. Sprinkles of Miami's past also abound on the frenetic album, from the flared-out bass of "Get on the Floor" to "She's Freaky," which recalls the best of 2 Live Crew. The reigning King of Crunk, Lil Jon, supports on three tracks, including the Cuban drum-flecked, bilingual "Culo." That cut is reprised with a minimalist beat on the Miami remix, which is markedly more about the drum than the bass. The most prominent aspect of M.I.A.M.I., though, is its variety; Pitbull has embraced all sorts of sounds and styles, and the melange created makes for a singular experience, instead of just another crunk record.

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"Ultimate Isaac Hayes: Can You Dig It?" (11/01/2005) R&B Hayes, Isaac, Concord Music GroupIsaac Hayes's towering presence in the history of soul music is undeniable: aside from his role as one half of the legendary Porter/Hayes Stax Records songwriting team, his early-1970s albums revolutionized the sounds of the day with their lush, complex instrumentation, swirling, funky explorations, and extended track lengths. The title of this three-disc set, THE ULTIMATE ISAAC HAYES, pretty much says it all. Represented here are all of Hayes's signature tunes, including the wah-wah-driven, era-defining "Theme from SHAFT" and the spacious, symphonic "Walk On By." The two audio discs top out at close to 80 minutes each, giving full breadth to the artist's stylistic range and the stretched-out majesty of his arrangements. His transformative covers of Glen Campbell's "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," Jerry Butler's "I Stand Accused," and Hank Williams's "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still in Love With You)" are included, alongside rare singles, B-sides, and previously unreleased live cuts. The third disc is a DVD featuring live footage of Hayes's appearance at the 1972 Wattstax concert and footage from SOUTH PARK (on which Hayes supplied the voice of Chef). All this, plus excellent notes, photos, superbly remastered sound, and beautiful packaging, make this an essential addition to any library.

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"Stone Hits: The Very Best of Angie Stone" (10/25/2005) R&B Stone, Angie, J-Records (USA)The DVD portion contains live performances. Personnel include: Angie Stone (vocals); Joe, Anthony Hamilton (vocals); T.H.C.. After three critically lauded studio albums, R&B/soul singer Angie Stone unveiled 2005's STONE HITS, a best-of collection that draws from all of those records and features two previously unreleased tracks, most notably the surging, funky "I Wasn't Kidding." The CD's non-chronological sequencing calls attention to the consistency of Stone's aesthetic, which is simultaneously old-school and state-of-the-art, with bold and lush, but never over-the-top, production on every track. Among the many highlights on STONE HITS are the poignant urgency of "Wish I Didn't Miss You," the dreamy funk of "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," and the hip-hop-tinged "Stay for a While" (featuring vocalist Anthony Hamilton), all of which showcase Stone's powerful, passionate voice. Although it might seem a bit premature to offer up a greatest-hits compilation only six years into her solo career, Stone has enough strong songs to fill out this set with ease, placing her at the very top of the neo-soul class.

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"No Said Date [PA]" (06/01/2004) R&B Masta Killa, Nature SoundsIncludes a bonus DVD. Personnel: Masta Killa; GZA, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, Killah Priest, Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Prodigal Sunn, RZA, Raekwon, Streetlife, U-God. Recording information: 36 Chambers, New York, NY. While Masta Killa may be the last of the Wu-Tang Clan's nine original members to come out with a solo record, he does so in style. On the critically acclaimed PRETTY TONEY ALBUM, Ghostface opened by assuring the public that the Wu-Tang family was still intact and working on new material, but not one of the Staten Island crew made an appearance on that disc. Masta Killa's defiantly titled, long-awaited debut, NO SAID DATE, features a reunion of sorts, boasting every single Wu member, and even bringing estranged cousins RZA and Ol' Dirty Bastard together on the funky "Old Man." However, before the Wu-Tang gang starts making cameos en masse, Masta Killa reminds listeners that he didn't wait this long because he lacks talent of his own, and he opens the album with four strictly solo tracks. From the hazy funk of "Grab the Microphone," Killa launches into the brash, RZA-produced title track, which deftly turns the long-time-coming nature of the release on its ear ("'When ya droppin'? No said date?premeditated, calculated"). A welcome first outing by an often-overlooked Wu-Tang member, NO SAID DATE is a notable release for both Masta Killa and the entire Wu-Tang unit.

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"10th Year Anniversary *" (04/05/2005) R&B Project Blowed, DeconThis release includes a bonus DVD.

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"The Wraith: Shangri-La [PA]" (09/21/2004) R&B Insane Clown Posse, Psychopathic RecordsInsane Clown Posse: Shaggy 2 Dope, Violent J, Mike E. Clark. Includes liner notes by Violent J. This release includes a bonus DVD featuring live performance footage. Insane Clown Posse: Shaggy 2 Dope, Violent J (rap vocals). Additional personnel: Joy (vocals); Anybody Killa, Syn (rap vocals); Li'l Pig (drums); Mike P. (programming); Sabu, 2 Tuff Tony. Recording information: The Sound Kitchen, Nashville, Tennessee; Lotus Pod, Detroit, Michigan (2004). Detroit cartoon/shock rappers Insane Clown Posse unveil an album that is described as both a "masterpiece" and "ten years in the making." ISP function on a plane with it's own set of rules and boundaries, populated by the underground group's devotees, known endearingly as Juggalos. After years of bouncing between major and indie labels, ICP continue a record of success that clearly challenges convention, be it with merchandising, comic books, self-produced movies and music. Newcomers to Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope's 'Dark Carnival' get a comprehensive tour on THE WRAITH, beginning with "Welcome To The Show." Saggy The Clown terrorizes children in "Birthday B*t*hes," while "The Unveiling" revisits the group's apocalyptic musings. THE WRAITH includes a companion DVD disc with live performance footage recorded in 2002.

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"Essential Plus [Limited]" (09/27/2005) R&B Earth, Wind & Fire, Legacy Recordings

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"Jamz TV Hits Vol. 3" (05/24/2005) R&B Various Artists, Universal Music Latino

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"U.S.A. (Still United) [PA]" (12/27/2005) R&B Ying Yang Twins, TVT (USA)Recording information: Atlanta, Georgia (2005). With the release of their high-impact album USA: UNITED STATES OF ATLANTA, and the success of their singles "Wait," "Shake," and "Bedroom Boom," 2005 was a banner year for the Ying Yang Twins. To celebrate, the Southern party-rap duo released U.S.A. (STILL UNITED) at the tail-end of the year. STILL UNITED includes remixes of the singles (the retooling of "Shake," with its guest spots from Pitbull and Elephant Man, is particularly notable), and previously unreleased tracks. The set also includes a bonus DVD featuring videos, concert footage, and documentary material.

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"Weapons of Mass Destruction [PA] [Digipak] [Limited]" (12/14/2004) R&B Xzibit, Columbia (USA)Personnel: Xzibit; Strong Arm Steady, Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes. Xzibit's fifth record, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION, finds the always-fierce, ever-clever MC, as rough and tough as ever. After emerging from the crowded mid-1990s West Coast hip-hop scene, Xzibit gained critical success and rose to mainstream recognition with hit records, commercial spots, and a role as the charismatic host of MTV's PIMP MY RIDE, leaving him with little to prove, but still much to say. Aided by some of the best producers in the game (Timbland, Hi-Tek), the able rapper rolls through this thoroughly engaging album. As the title implies, WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION displays some political leanings, opening with the deft, subversive use of George W. Bush's own voice on "State of the Union." However, other than an occasional allusion to war and discontent, protest is more of a sidebar, as WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION is more descriptive of Xzibit's rhyming style--hard, focused, and backed with brutal, yet alluring, beats. "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)" and "Tough Guy" (featuring Busta Rhymes) could play just as perfectly at the club or on the streets. Xzibit closes with his own State of the Union Address, the tender, reflective "Back 2 The Way It Was," a sweet summing-up of his album--complex, compelling, and enjoyable.

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"El Encuento" (04/04/2006) R&B Vico-C, EMI Televisa MusicPersonnel: Gilberto Santa Rosa, Lucesita Benitez.

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"New Whirl Odor" (11/01/2005) R&B Public Enemy, Slam Jamz Recordings

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"Barrio Fino en Directo [PA]" (12/13/2005) R&B Yankee, Daddy, Interscope Records (USA)Daddy Yankee was one of the leading figures of the reggaeton movement in the mid-2000s, and this dual-disc compilation package is a testament to the Puerto Rican rapper's talent and popularity. BARRIO FINO EN DIRECTO namechecks Daddy Yankee's immensely popular BARRIO FINO album, and several tracks from that album are featured here in live concert versions. Also included on the CD are four new studio cuts, including "Gangsta Zone," with Snoop Dogg, and "Machete Reloaded," with Paul Wall. The presence of these mainstream hip-hop artists shows just how far reggaeton was able to cross over. On both the live audio tracks and the live footage included on the DVD, it's clear that Daddy Yankee is a first-rate and much-loved performer (his arena-sized audiences sing along with every word). The high-energy music, which draws on dancehall rhythms, hip-hop attitude, and Latin-flavored samples and accents, is as infectious here as on any of Daddy Yankee's releases. Fans won't want to miss this key overview. The DVD also includes special features like music videos, photos, and behind-the-scenes documentary footage.

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"My Brother & Me [PA]" (11/02/2004) R&B Ying Yang Twins, TVT (USA)Personnel: Ying Yang Twins; Fat Joe, Fatman Scoop, Jacki-O , Juvenile, Lil Jon, Murphy Lee, Nick Cannon, Pitbull , B.G., Wyclef, YoungBloodz , Homebwoi, UTP, Nue Breed, The Mujicians, Yonnie, Bone Crusher . Recording information: Collipark Studio, College Park, Georgia; The Zone Studio, Norcross, Georgia; Sony Music Studios, New York, New York; Poe Boy Mansion, Miami Florida. With their unabashedly hedonistic raps and signature chanting style, the Ying Yang Twins rose to the upper levels of the crunk world and became one of the most sought after guests on other hip-hop albums. The brothers from Atlanta were rather ubiquitous by 2004, following up their notable appearance on the Lil Jon smash "Get Low" with their own hit "Salt Shaker" off of the platinum ME & MY BROTHER, in addition to guesting on about as many records as there are weeks in the year. At the end of 2004, they came out with the mixtape-style MY BROTHER & ME, featuring remixes and one new song. The unpredictable carnival atmosphere suits the Ying Yang Twins perfectly, as MY BROTHER & ME may be their strongest album yet. They open with previously unreleased single "Halftime (Stand Up & Get Crunk!)," featuring a marching band, dizzying bass lines, and the usual fun-seeking lyrics, before easing the beat back with a hypnotizing remix of Juvenile's crossover hit "Slow Motion." The duo's perfect female foil, Jacki-O, lays down a hyper-sensual flow on a remix of "Georgia Dome," while numerous superstars drop by on a rousing extended remix of "Salt Shaker" to close the record.

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"Bad Boy's R&B Hits [PA]" (05/03/2005) R&B Various Artists, Bad Boy EntertainmentThis release includes a bonus DVD. With her 1992 smash "Real Love," Mary J. Blige almost single-handedly showed the world that "hip-hop" did not always mean rap. The forceful, defiant, funky R&B single was indisputably hip-hop, and was heralded as such. Sean "P. Diddy" Comb's label, Bad Boy, has become one of the icons of the rap world and always been a showcase for the best in soulful hip-hop from 112 to Carl Thomas. Fittingly, Blige's seminal hit (in this case, a remix featuring the Notorious B.I.G.) leads off BAD BOY'S R&B HITS, which collects 12 of the most compelling examples of hip-hop soul. As it's a Bad Boy compilation, R&B HITS features copious servings of label founder P. Diddy, who always straddles the R&B/hip-hop line in his recordings, including his unforgettable crossover hit with Usher and Loon, "I Need a Girl (Part One)." P. Diddy also guests on 112's classic bedroom jam "Peaches & Cream" and Faith Evans's "All Night Long," and collaborates with R. Kelly on "Satisfy You." BAD BOY'S R&B HITS also brings in some of the best crooners of the '80s, with New Edition ("Start Turnin' Me On"), and the '90s, with Jodeci ("Come and Talk to Me"). Bad Boy has always worked with the best in R&B and hip-hop and this collection drives that fact home. (Note: The accompanying DVD presents seven Bad Boy videos.)

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"The Godfather of Soul [Slipcase]" (10/26/2004) R&B Brown, James, Goldenlane RecordsThis release includes a bonus DVD featuring footage from a 1985 live concert performance. Personnel: James Brown (vocals); Jimmy Nolen, Ron Laster (guitar); Joe Poff (flute, alto saxophone); St. Clair Pinckney (flute, tenor saxophone); Holly Ferris, Jerone "Jassan" Sanford (trumpet); Jerry Poindexter (keyboards); David Weston (bass guitar); Arthur Dickson (drums); Johnny Griggs (percussion). Recording information: 1980.

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"Money Is Still A Major Issue [Edited]" (11/15/2005) R&B Pitbull (Rap), TVT (USA)Personnel: Pitbull (rap vocals); Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Mr. Vegas, Oobie, Piccalo, Trick Daddy, Cubo, Bun B (rap vocals). Recording information: 4 Star, South Beach, FL. Miami rapper Pitbull asserts that while crunk is most associated with the Atlanta, Georgia sound, the origin of the music is a few hundred miles south in Florida. He contends that crunk is merely the bass music of his hometown slowed down. Pitbull backs up his claim with his stirring (and aptly named) debut, M.I.A.M.I. After growing up on a mix of traditional Cuban music and hardcore West Coast rap, Pitbull allows both sounds to influence his particular brand of crunk. Sprinkles of Miami's past also abound on the frenetic album, from the flared-out bass of "Get on the Floor" to "She's Freaky," which recalls the best of 2 Live Crew. The reigning King of Crunk, Lil Jon, supports on three tracks, including the Cuban drum-flecked, bilingual "Culo." That cut is reprised with a minimalist beat on the Miami remix, which is markedly more about the drum than the bass. The most prominent aspect of M.I.A.M.I., though, is its variety; Pitbull has embraced all sorts of sounds and styles, and the melange created makes for a singular experience, instead of just another crunk record.

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"Barrio Fino en Directo [Edited]" (12/13/2005) R&B Yankee, Daddy, Interscope Records (USA)Recording information: 2005. Daddy Yankee was one of the leading figures of the reggaeton movement in the mid-2000s, and this dual-disc compilation package is a testament to the Puerto Rican rapper's talent and popularity. BARRIO FINO EN DIRECTO namechecks Daddy Yankee's immensely popular BARRIO FINO album, and several tracks from that album are featured here in live concert versions. Also included on the CD are four new studio cuts, including "Gangsta Zone," with Snoop Dogg, and "Machete Reloaded," with Paul Wall. The presence of these mainstream hip-hop artists shows just how far reggaeton was able to cross over. On both the live audio tracks and the live footage included on the DVD, it's clear that Daddy Yankee is a first-rate and much-loved performer (his arena-sized audiences sing along with every word). The high-energy music, which draws on dancehall rhythms, hip-hop attitude, and Latin-flavored samples and accents, is as infectious here as on any of Daddy Yankee's releases. Fans won't want to miss this key overview. The DVD also includes special features like music videos, photos, and behind-the-scenes documentary footage.

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"One Night in Miami [PA] [Digipak]" (04/04/2006) R&B Various Artists, Drop It Entertainment LLCDVD Features: DVD includes: - Rare Footage of Wild Miami Nightlife - Sights, Sounds & Sould of Miami

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"Year of the Beast [PA] [Limited]" (05/17/2005) R&B C-Rayz Walz, Definitive Jux RecordsThe included DVD features nine songs recorded live at B.B. King's, New York, New York.

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"Crunk Juice (Deluxe) [PA] [Limited]" (11/16/2004) R&B Jon, Lil, TVT (USA)This release includes a bonus DVD. Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz: Lil Bo, Lil Jon, Big Sam (rap vocals). Additional personnel include: Pharrell Williams, R. Kelly, Usher (vocals); DJ Flexx, Fat Joe, Gangsta Boo, Ice Cube, Jazze Pha, Lil Scrappy, Ludacris, Nas, Nate Dogg, Snoop Dogg, T.I., Ying Yang Twins, 8Ball & MJG (rap vocals). Recording information: Stankonia, Atlanta, GA; Circle House, Miami, Florida; Enterprise Studio, Burbank, California; Daddy's House, New York, New York. After years behind the scenes in the music business, Lil Jon (along with his Eastside Boys, Lil Bo and Big Sam) exploded in late 2002 with his special brand of "crunk," booming bass-fueled hip-hop with the controlled fury of hardcore punk or metal. KINGS OF CRUNK remained near the top of the Billboard charts through 2003, and the lighthearted, raucous party anthem "Get Low" was an unavoidable classic. Lil Jon's affable trademark shouts popped up on hit single after hit single, and those one-word chants even fueled one of the most beloved sketches on the wildly popular comedy series CHAPPELLE'S SHOW. For the official follow-up, Lil Jon & the Eastside Boys return in 2004 with CRUNK JUICE, picking up right where KINGS OF CRUNK left off, with even more ferocity. After a metal-sampling intro title track, the trio lets loose with the brutal "Get Crunk," barely taking a breath until the slightly slowed-down "Da Blow." While much of the record is hard as nails, Lil Jon finds some time for laid-back moments in collaborations with Usher and Ludacris on "Lovers and Friends" and with R. Kelly and Ludacris (again) on "In Da Club," both hilariously introduced by Chris Rock. CRUNK JUICE closes on the incredible all-star power of the sinister "Grand Finale," bringing East Coast (Nas, Fat Joe) and West Coast (Ice Cube) together in the Dirty South, a fitting ending to a relentlessly fun record.

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"All Eyes on Me [PA]" (10/05/2004) R&B Tweety, Lil', Thump RecordsThis release ncludes a bonus DVD. Additional personnel: Hi Power Soldiers, Silent, Puppet-G, Lady-X, Brown Boy (rap vocals).