ICE CubeGreatest HitsAs with most greatest hits CD's I really don't have to explain who it is or what the artist sounds like. The only real issue with this type of release from a major act is the choices that were made when such a work was compiled. Of course I wouldn't be bringing this up if I did not have a problem with the musical lineup. It's not that they aren't good songs, it's just that I feel there were many others that should've been on this CD. Maybe we needed a multiple disc collection. Most of Ice Cube's greatest hits were all his older numbers and this album starts out with something new, "Pushin Weight". It was one of his hits, sure, but I think there are a few superior tunes that could've taken its place. "Check Yo Self" on the other hand was a great choice, you can't argue with this one. "$100 Dollar Bill Yall" is good song but a "maybe" for this disc. There's no question about #5 "Once Upon A Time". This is Ice Cube at his finest. High accolades for "Bow Down" as well. And you can't go wrong with the whole Westside Connection. Track #7 "Hello" featuring Dr. Dre and MC Ren is a good statement about a few of the original rap artists on the West Coast. "You Can Do It" was a good club hit, but this one should've been saved for a greatest hits album to come. "It Was A Good Day" is a West Coast classic. Then there's "Bop Gun", featuring George Clinton of Parliament. If you put a master of rap music and the godfather of funk together, you can't go wrong. Certainly there are great tunes here; and I suppose it's difficult to complain with someone like Ice Cube, but a few more of the old school stuff would've made this absolutely essential. Check out www.icecubemusic.com. -chux
Jay-ZUnpluggedAfter six multi-platinum albums, what would most artists do in anticipation of their next release? If the artist is Jay-Z, he puts out a greatest hits collection in the form of an Unplugged concert with a little help from MTV. Not satisfied with simply compiling the original studio versions together, Jay-Z gives his fans a reason to pick this one up with one of the hottest live performances ever. In the tradition of the Unplugged series, the music is acoustic, provided by members of the hip-hop band, The Roots. This is one unbelievable collaboration, as the band provides a fresh take on some classic hits. The majority of the concert consists of songs off of the last album, "The Blueprint," but it also contains versions from "Ain't No" to "Big Pimpin'". These are songs you've probably heard before, but you haven't heard them with The Roots. The band faithfully reproduces all the beats as well as switching it up to reflect the songs that are being referred to in Jay-Z's raps; and no pre-taped music could ever compare to the energy of a live band. Even if you're a fan of Jigga, and feel you already own all of his hits, there's still good reason to shell out for this one. Holla!!! -85 Mics