M.O.P.

New York rap clique M.O.P. are the dudes at the end of a dark alley, rolling 20 deep, armed to the teeth and ready to spray the lead. Says Billy on "How About Some Hardcore," "I love a bloodbath." Expect a lot of simulated gun blasts, big bursts of rawkish guitars and a flurry of shouted lyrics about crime, crack and the codes of the street. "Ante Up" is the ultimate paean to chain-snatching (sample lyric: "Fool, what you want: / Your life or your jewels?") and hits the listener like a shot of adrenaline to the heart. It's one of the most exciting hip-hop songs you'll ever hear.