Run-D.M.C.
The Greatest Hits
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: Arista/BMG Heritage 10607
Originally Reviewed: September 21, 2002

Before the champagne wishes and caviar dreams of contemporary rap music, it was all about gold chains, black fedoras, and, of course, shelltoe Adidas. Run-D.M.C., the genre's first superstar act, personified the marriage of hardcore lyrics and thrashing guitars long before there was Limp Bizkit or Kid Rock. The long overdue Greatest Hits celebrates the historic career of the Queens, N.Y., trio of Joseph Simmons (Run), Darryl McDaniels (D.M.C.), and Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay). From groundbreaking "King of Rock" to the resurgent "Down With the King," each of the set's 18 tracks are a reminder of the group's classic genius. The fact that "Peter Piper" can still fill a dancefloor with grooving bodies is a living testament to the influence the group had not only on hip-hop but also music in general. Despite the commercial failure of 2001's Crown Royal, Run-D.M.C. is still going strong and is currently on tour with Kid Rock and Aerosmith. - RH

ANGIE MARTINEZ
Animal House
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: Elektra 62780
Originally Reviewed: August 31, 2002

With experience comes confidence. At least that seems to be the case for Angie Martinez. For her sophomore set, Animal House, the New York radio personality/rap artist takes a decidedly more aggressive stance to her music. Unlike her debut, Up Close & Personal, this set, with a few exceptions, keeps the guest appearances relegated to singing a hook or two here and there. With years of radio experience under her belt, Martinez clearly knows what makes a hit song. The Rick Rock-produced lead single "If I Could Go," featuring newcomer Sacario and Lil' Mo, proves just that. (Sacario, by the way, was discovered by Martinez via a freestyle contest on her afternoon drive show on New York's WQHT.) "Take U Home," featuring Kelis, carries its own spicy vibe, lifting the hook from Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam's "I Wonder If I Take You Home." - RH

MARY J. BLIGE
Dance for Me
Producer(s): various
Label/Catalog Number: MCA 088 112 959
Originally Reviewed: August 31, 2002

Unbeknownst to many of Ms. Blige's ardent R&B/hip-hop fans, the singer is also hugely popular in house music clubs around the world—where incredibly savvy, uptempo remixes of her smash singles have taken on lives all their own. Dance for Me brings together many such moments, focusing on tracks from the artist's Mary, No More Drama, and Share My World albums (why, oh why, wasn't E-Smoove's remix of "You Bring Me Joy" from My Life included?). Remixers on board include Thunderpuss ("No More Drama" and "Rainy Dayz"), Hex Hector and Mac Quayle ("He Think I Don't Know"), Junior Vasquez ("Your Child"), Phillip Larsen & Hiten Bharadia ("Give Me You"), and Curtis & Moore ("Everything"). Now, do what the title demands. - MP