Diplomats Diplomatic Immunity, Vol. 2 CD

The Diplomats debuted in 2003 with DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY, an enjoyable, if uneven, double-record introduction to Cam'Ron's diverse collection of rappers, whose ranks include the imperial Juelz Santana and the growling, sinister-as-his-name Jim Jones. With their second release, DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY 2, the Diplomats drop the double-album format, making for a tight, concise set, as the talented MCs pass the mic like the baton of a veteran track team, flowing over consistently inventive, ear-opening beats.

Cam'Ron starts the festivities, presenting the members one by one, before launching into the dizzying, pounding "Stop-N-Go" with J.R. Writer. Juelz Santana follows with the rolling "S.A.N.T.A.N.A.," and sticks around for "Take 'Em to Church," with Cam'Ron and Unkasa, before joining J.R. on the frenetic "Get Use to This." Throughout it all, the record seems like one continual celebration of the Diplomats' world, as the songs seamlessly flow into one another, at once chaotic and melodious. DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY 2 showcases the best aspects of the superstar collective album, as the various personalities bounce off each other--not perfectly, but unpredictably--for an overall thrilling ride.

Explicit-Cam'Ron/Jim Jones/ Juel Santana/Freezy Zeeky

Audio Mixers: Eric "Ebo" Butler; Mike T.

Recording information: Next Millenium; Santana's World; Sony Music Studios, New York, NY.

Unknown Contributor Roles: JR Writer; Hell Rell; Jha Jha; Juelz Santana.

The Diplomats: 40 Cal., Milk, Jim Jones , Cam'ron, JR Writer, Hell Rell, Jha Jha, Juelz Santana, DukeDaGod.

Additional personnel: Unkasa.

Vibe (p.84) - 3 1/2 discs out of 5 - "[H]ip-hop's most colorful crew....Beautiful belligerence from Cam'Ron, Juelz Santana, J.R.Writer, and Jim Jones dominates throughout..."