Z-Ro Let The Truth Be Told: Chopped & Mixed CD

Incredibly prolific Houston rapper Z-Ro opens his 2005 release, LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD, by paying homage to one of hip-hop's all-time classics, Eric B. & Rakim's "Paid in Full," musing over the familiar bassline (from Dennis Edwards's "Don't Look Any Further") before launching into a breathless freestyle bout. While it's fairly audacious to conjure up comparisons to a master MC like the illustrious Rakim, Z-Ro holds his own on "Mo City Don (Freestyle)" with a cleverly unfurling rhyme. He follows that light and playful rap with the utterly hard "The Mule," featuring Juvenile and Devin the Dude, which is full of bluster and violent braggadocio.

This sort of variety marks LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD, a wonderfully dynamic record that finds the under-the-radar rapper continuing to do what he does best, in both viciously dark and easy-going manners. On "Platinum," Z-Ro raps about the softer and harder sides of the business over a lush backing track, while on "I'm a Soldier" he reverts to edgy posturing with sufficient force. Although Z-Ro churns out records, he puts his heart into each one, and LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD stands as prime example of his skill.

Personnel: Z-Ro (rap vocals); Ashanti (vocals); Juvenile, Trae, Lil' Flip, Devin the Dude, Lil' Boss (rap vocals).

DJ: Paul Wall .