Brand Nubian

The first album from N.Y.C. favorites, this 1990 classic was a part of the early '90s Afrocentric movement, which included X-Clan, Public Enemy, and others. Brand Nubian also bring a playful, eclectic vibe that's similar to the Native Tongues work. Stellar joints include "Slow Down," "Step To The Rear," and "Brand Nubian."

Constricted by rage, sanctimony, and defensive rationalization from Movement Ex to King Sun, most black-supremacist rap sags under the burden of its belief system just like any other ideological music. This Five Percenter daisy-age is warm, good-humored, intricately interactive--popping rhymes every sixth or eighth syllable, softening the male chauvinism and devil-made-me-do-it with soulful grooves and jokes fit for a couch potato. They sound so kind and confident and fun-filled you almost believe that someday they'll throw away their crutches. But just because they were feeling irie when they made their record, don't bet they'll have the good sense or fortune to grab the chance. (Grade - A-)