Blackmoon rises after eclipse

BLACKMOON
War Zone
Duck Down/Priority

This year has gotten off to a great start for fans of hip hop music. With few exceptions, the albums released to this point have been bangin'. It's similar to the time from about '88 to '92 when hip hop was hip hop and there wasn't any of that P.D./J.D. produced fluff. Hopefully this welcome trend will continue.

Those who don't know BlackMoon should school themselves quick. Probably one of the best groups few people have heard, this is their second album together after a five year absence, a split of the members and legal problems over the use of the name BlackMoon. Evil Dee, Buckshot and the 5FTer are back and it sounds like they never left.

Although at first listen, War Zone doesn't seem as groundbreaking as Enta Da Stage, it will keep heads nodding through all of its 19 tracks. Those looking for a hip hop album with a pop feel and danceable beats should look somewhere else. This is strictly for underground heads.

Hardcore beats and rough lyrics is what you'll find here. Although not every track is a gem, what is here is worth a listen. The first track, "Onslaught" featuring Bussa Bus gets things going from the jump. After about the fourth track things start to cool off but the listener almost needs the time off because when they get to the second half of the album it blows up again.

Fortunately, this didn't turn into another showcase for the whole Boot Camp Click. Too many groups rely on collaborations with high profile artists to sell records and although there are a few collabos, it doesn't overshadow the rhyme skills of Buckshot and 5FTer – which is the red meat of the BlackMoon project.

One track which really stands out is "Annihilation." Production by the Beatminerz is tight on this joint and the lyrics flow like Niagara Falls. When all is said and done this album won't disappoint. With the exception of a few mediocre tracks, this is a solid addition to any solid hip hop collection.

–MARCO SDAO