Three 6 Mafia

These underrated pioneers have been churning out proto-crunk anthems for over a decade. Now that the rest of the world has caught up with them, the crew is ready to shine properly. This LP overflows with chanted verses centering on drugs, drink and pimpin', and it's all backed by slowed up loops and heavy-as-hell 808 drums. "Swervin'" and "Poppin' My Collar" are great.

The pull of their gut-rumbling brew of dark keyb riffs and viscous rhythm under unison vocals isn't absolute, but it's there, distinct and original. Unfortunately for connoisseurs of the saturnine, however, it comes with rhymes that are part of the aesthetic experience. As a putative cocaine magnate, rival flava-of-the-year proprietor Young Jeezy enjoys privileges that include triumphalist fanfares, yes-man cheering sections, and a relatively abstract level of brutality. These Memphis lifers sell "street," eventuating in quite a bit of put-your-foot-up-they-ass, knock-the-black-off-your-ass, ransack-your-home, and rape-your-bitch-cause-she's-stacked. It isn't original to point out that the reality this worldview represents is a bully's reality, one that most of those who are stuck with it scheme to avoid. But originality isn't everything. Bully reality can be musically compelling, no question. But jones for it and you risk brutalizing yourself. (Grade - B-)