Too Legit For The Pit: Hardcore Takes The Rap CD

The conceit behind this album is just too irresistible: A bunch of (mostly obscure) hardcore punk bands take on the giants of (mostly 1990s) hip-hop. The interpretations end up being surprisingly diverse: Candiria's rendition of "Deep Cover" (originally recorded by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg) is a sludge-funk grind; the Movielife take Public Enemy's "Can't Do Nuttin' for Ya Man" and strip it to the bone, building a new version out of a bass, funky drummer, one-note guitar obbligato, and a very quick sample. E-Town Concrete sounds an awful lot like middle-period Defunkt on its rendition of Nas' "The World Is Yours," while the Hoods bring the death with their shredded interpretation of the LL Cool J hit "Mama Said Knock You Out." But the class of this album, hands down, is Throwdown, which delivers an absolutely hilarious version of Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back," complete with one of those Satan-voice guys roaring "baby got back" and "shake it shake it shake it." This is the best novelty album in years. ~ Rick Anderson

12 of the baddest hardcore rock, punk & metal acts from around the country conspire to pay homage to their favorite rap hits. Stretch Arm Strong does N.W.A.'s "Express Yourself," Candiria does Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg's "Deep Cover," Throwdown does Sir Mix-A

Personnel: Andy Franchere, Lord Sett, Molequeen, Two Street Scum, MC Dean, Ad Money, El Duce Allin, Jag the Rock-N-Roll Terrorist, King of the White People, Mad Mike D., Kaves, Chris McLane, Ralph from the Mob, Mike Rivera, Keith Barney, Carley Coma, Lord Ezec, Vinnie Caruana, Vinnie Value (vocals); K Love (guitar, synthesizer); Delux, Alex Amiruddin, David Sease, Tommy Love, Scott Dempsey, Davy, John Lamacchia, Brandon Reilly (guitar); Kenneth Schalk, Marc Jackson, Evan Baken, John Barry , The Decrapitator, Gets No Sex (drums); Insane James (percussion).

Unknown Contributor Roles: The Decrapitator; DJ Jazzy Zjolte.