Canibus Can-I-Bus? CD

Personnel includes: Canibus, Free, Pras (rap vocals); MB2 (vocals); Eddison "Elektrik" Sainsbury, Wyclef Jean (guitar); Salaam Remi (programming); Jenny Fujita, Product (background vocals).
Producers include: Wyclef Jean, Jerry Wonder, Salaam Remi, L.G., DJ Clark Kent.
Engineers include: Gary "Mon" Noble, Chris Theis, Ed Miller.
Personnel: Wyclef Jean (guitar); Salaam Remi (programming); Product for R.C.E. (background vocals).
Audio Mixers: Chris Theis; Kenny Ortíz; Gary Noble; Andy Grassi; Warren Riker.
Recording information: Chung King Studios, New York, NY; Crib; Palm Tree Studios; Quad Recording Studios, New York, NY; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY.
Photographers: Michael Benabib; Jill Greenberg.
Unknown Contributor Role: Eddison Sainsbury.
Prior to the release of his debut album, Canibus had a hit with "Second Round K.O.," a single that attacked LL Cool J in a style reminiscent of classic '80s cutting contests. It was an audacious beginning to what appeared to be a promising career, but the full-length album Can-I-Bus doesn't quite live up to the potential indicated in that hard-hitting single. Part of the problem is that Canibus is a monotonous rapper, sticking to the same delivery no matter what the subject of the lyrics or the tone of the music. He also shows surprising misogynist, violent, and homophobic streaks, especially for a protégé of the Fugees' Wyclef Jean. Even with all these faults, Canibus does have his strengths -- in particular, his intense delivery is intoxicating in its power (which is part of the problem, too, since its very intensity can be too much) -- and when he's on his game, he comes up with some clever, unexpected turns of phrase. Unfortunately, those moments only occur sporadically over the course of this overlong debut, but when they do happen, it's easy to see what all the hype is about. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
"When you look at me long enough/I start to read your thoughts/If your signal was strong enough/And then I call your bluff." Those words, along with the rest of Canibus' verse on the LL Cool J posse cut "4-3-2-1," sparked an intense battle between Canibus and LL. That battle led to Canibus' "2nd Round Knockout," a song directed at LL which not only dissed LL severely, but also showcased Canibus' incredible rhyming talent. Since then, the MC's debut album was highly anticipated.
His three-dimensional rhyme style gained Canibus critical acclaim for being one of the most innovative new MCs in hip-hop. With CAN-I-BUS, the debut album, Canibus delivers more of the battle-rhyme lyrics that are his stock in trade. Still, he manages to cover new ground with conceptually strong cuts like "I Honor U," which is dedicated to his mother. With his lyrical skills, Canibus represents the elements that helped build rap music.
"When you look at me long enough/I start to read your thoughts/If your signal was strong enough/And then I call your bluff." Those words, along with the rest of Canibus' verse on the LL Cool J posse cut "4-3-2-1," sparked an intense battle between Canibus and LL. That battle led to Canibus' "2nd Round Knockout," a song directed at LL which not only dissed LL severely, but also showcased Canibus' incredible rhyming talent. Since then, the MC's debut album wa highly anticipated.
His three-dimensional rhyme style gained Canibus critical acclaim for being one of the most innovative new MCs in hip-hop. With CAN-I-BUS, the debut album, Canibus delivers more of the battle-rhyme lyrics that are his stock in trade. Still, he manages to cover new ground with conceptually strong cuts like "I Honor U," which is dedicated to his mother. With his lyrical skills, Canibus represents the elements that helped build rap music.Entertainment Weekly (9/18/98, p.86) - "...CAN-I-BUS? is steeped in old-school verbal swipes and boasting skills....he's taken it upon himself to offer advice and career guidance to fellow hip-hoppers....At a time when gangsta Glock-and-spiel fantasies still propel albums into the top 10, Canibus' self-help approach is undeniably refreshing..." - Rating: B
Q (11/98, pp.112-114) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "...incongrously rich music that beguiles....polished to a beautiful, clear shine by Wycleff Jean..."