Guerilla Black

Though the legendary B.I.G. has passed on, there is no shortage of sound-alike emcees (and unimaginative industry types) looking to be/find a "new Biggie." With Shyne locked up and B.B. Jay missing in action, Guerilla Black is the latest rapper to make a go for it. Born in Illinois but raised in Compton, G. Black has been grinding for many years in many regions, rocking mix tapes, making connections, doing some dirt and struggling to find success in the rap game. His debut single "Guerilla Nasty" made a little noise, though the follow-up "Compton" (featuring Beenie Man and sampling one of the most well-known dancehall tracks ever recorded) got decidedly more play/props, setting the stage for his first LP Guerilla City;. Reaction from true heads remains mixed however, with cats from both coasts wary of his blatant imitations - in flow, tone and cadence - of the Bed Stuy hero. Regardless, his album features production from heavyweights like Fred Wreck and Jazze Pha and with enough love from radio and video, he will probably blow up, at least amongst the ladies and kids too young to really remember Biggie.