La The Darkman

A highly skilled emcee affiliated with Wu-Tang, LA The Darkman came strong with his 1998 solo debut Heist of the Century. Although the album was slept on by many, it was an exceptional record at a time when the flood of Wu-related records seemed more concerned with quantity than quality. LA is a top-notch storyteller, and his rhymes are direct and wordy. From the high-tech espionage of the title track to the ill-fated heroine in "Polluted Wisdom" and the party-rockin', good-times vibe of "Spring Water," he mixes it up and proves himself a diverse rapper. Produced by RZA, Rae, Fourth Disciple and Havoc, his flows are well-matched with gritty NYC production, on point with the Clan's better offerings.