Quality Control

L.A.-based Jurassic 5 have unearthed the lost art of flow. With a style reminiscent of the Native Tongues, J5 delivers one of the most consistent rap albums in recent memory. Cuts like "The Influence" and "Great Expectations" exhibit a wonderfully organic quality that could help us all to forget the tired rap formulas of money, hoes, and gats. Comprised of four MC's and two DJs (DJ Nu-Mark and the legendary Cut Chemist), J5 is near Ellingtonian in size for a hip-hip troupe. The interplay between the members reeks of old school, the place where rap sounds honest and evolves as an art form. As well it should, because J5 aren't new to hip-hop; after all, they've been "rockin' since the '84 Fresh Fest." --Marc Calhoun