Totally Hip Hop CD

Much like its stylistic cousin TOTALLY R&B, the TOTALLY HIP HOP collection also casts a fairly wide net in defining its own genre. The inclusion of Mystikal ("Boucin' Back [Bumpin' Me Against the Wall]") and Ludacris ("Gossip Folks") on this collection falls into the no-brainer category, but when names like Justin Timberlake ("[Oh No] What You Got"), Brandy ("What About Us?"), and Christina Aguilera ("Dirrty") pop up, even the most open-minded rap fan will be surprised. The rationale lies in a generation of younger artists weaned on hip-hop who've let its influence bleed into their music, using hot producers like the Neptunes to get their creative point across.

Analytical observations aside, the rest of this anthology stays fairly true to the course by erecting a tent big enough to house hot Brooklyn talent Fabolous ("4 Ever," "This Is My Party") alongside dancehall reggae superstars Wayne Wonder ("No Letting Go") and Sean Paul ("Gimme the Light"). Talent from south of the Mason-Dixon line also gets its props, whether its Petey Pablo ("Raise Up"), Clipse ("Young Boy"), or Hotlanta's Outkast ("So Fresh, So Clean").

Missy/Busta Rhymes/Fat Joe/Lil Kim/S.Paul/Outkast/Clipse/Trin

Performer include: Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Clipse, Fat Joe, Outkast, Lil' Kim, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Nappy Roots, Justin Timberlake, Angie Martinez, Benzino, Fabolous, Christina Aguilera, Lil' Mo, Cee-Lo, Trick Daddy, Brandy, Trina, Petey Pablo, TLC, Smilez & Southstar, Tweet.

Editor: Mark Fellows.