Mobb Deep Amerikaz Nightmare CD

Since exploding in 1995 with the indisputable classic THE INFAMOUS, the Queens, New York-based duo Mobb Deep has had a profound influence on both mainstream and underground hip-hop. AMERIKAZ NIGHTMARE proves that, once again, Havoc and Prodigy are several steps ahead of the game. The album opens with the claustrophobic, gun-toting title track, which finds producer Havoc in familiar territory, assaulting the senses with distorted, multi-layered synthesizers and crashing percussion. On track two, "Win or Lose," the Alchemist samples Jean Plum's "Here I Go Again" as Havoc and Prodigy discuss the finer points of hustling. Elsewhere, the single "Got It Twisted" makes clever use of a sample from Thomas Dolby's "She Blinded Me with Science."

In typical hip-hop fashion, outside artists add their own special flavor to several tracks. Standouts include Nate Dogg's ridiculously catchy chorus on "Dump" and Lil Jon's mere presence on "Real Gangstaz." The record also features Kanye West, who contributes another superior track, the Organized Noize-infused "Throw Your Hands (In the Air)." AMERIKAZ NIGHTMARE is pure, unadulterated hip-hop, a lesson for aspiring rappers and a gift to fans of the genre.

In typical hip-hop fashion, outside artists add their own special flavor to several tracks. Standouts include Nate Dogg's ridiculously catchy chorus on "Dump" and Lil Jon's mere presence on "Real Gangstaz." The record also features Kanye West, who contributes another superior track, "Throw Your Hands in the Air." AMERIKAZ NIGHTMARE is pure, unadulterated hip-hop, a lesson for aspiring rappers and a gift to fans of the genre.

Personnel: Rob McDowell (keyboards).

Audio Mixer: Steve Sola.

Recording information: Battery Studios, New York, NY; Chung King, New York, NY; DSL Studios, Louisville, KY; Duhn Deal Studios, New York, NY; Ocean Way Studios, CA; Powerhouse Studios, Yonkers, NY; Record Plant, Hollywood, CA; The Hit Factory Criteria, Miami, FL; The Lab, New York, NY.

Photographer: Daniel Hastings.

Explicit. Guests:Lil Jon,Nate Dogg,Jadakiss,Noyd

Mobb Deep: Prodigy, Havoc.

Mobb Deep: Havoc, Prodigy (rap vocals).

Additional personnel: Jadakiss, Lil Jon, Littles, Nate Dogg, Noyd, Twista (rap vocals).

Vibe (p.146) - 3 1/2 out of 5 - "[T]hey're putting the murda back in the music with their sixth album, AMERIKAZ NIGHTMARE, a defiant middle finger to those who'd started writing their eulogy....M-O-B-B shows a renewed confidence."