THC: The Hip Hop Collection, Vol. 1 CD

Celebrating the unbridled love of marijuana that many hip-hop artists promote, THC: The Hip Hop Collection, Vol. 1 is a tribute album to the drug. There are no notable differences among the tracks found here outside of the beats and samples; otherwise, each song essentially says the same thing -- weed is good. This message may have worked for four or five songs, but to dedicate an entire album to this idea without exploring the legal aspects or even tell some stories about being high seems rather ridiculous. The good tracks here are distinguished by the skills of the rappers and producers, as well as how they approach the singular message found here. Shabaam Sahdeeq and Steele deliver the most memorable track on the first half of the album, but their piano-driven "Roll Up" is really the only exceptional track out of the first nine songs. The album takes a dramatic shift for the better after these songs, featuring more avant-garde (for rap) artists who are willing to experiment more with their tracks. The Pharcyde don't do anything terribly spectacular, but their obvious mike talent allows them to still be above most of the album. Lootpack's "Take a Hit" is a laid-back track that uses the marijuana theme as only a small part of what is essentially a really well-produced brag-a-thon. RZA and Timbo King deliver an incredibly slow and deliberate tribute to being really high that perfectly captures the foggy mental situation and relaxed atmosphere that their scenario results in. And Ripshop has the best song of the bunch, an amiable track that promotes the community environment created by pot smoking and featuring a great backing track, smooth rapping, and clever lyrics. This album is nothing to write home about when viewed as a collection, but when picked apart there are several individual songs that are quite memorable. Although the album is uneven, anyone looking to support this cause or at least get a few good rap songs about weed should give this a shot. ~ Bradley Torreano

Lord Sear/High & Mighty/Black Moon/Afu-Ra/Pharcyde/Phil Tha

Recording information: 36 Chambers, New York, NY; D&D Studios, New York, NY; D.son's Nicklindimespot, Boston, MA; Swivle's House, LA, CA.

Photographers: Brian Jahn; Craig Wetherby.

Personnel: Big O (vocals); Evil Dee (scratches).

Liner Note Author: Steve Bloom.