The Sun Rises In The

When a Rastafarian MC stole the show on Gang Starr's posse cut "I'm the Man" (from their Daily Operation LP), rap fans took notice. And they were not disappointed by Jeru the Damaja's aptly titled debut, The Sun Rises in the East. His ability to drop rhymes filled with Biblical references and simultaneously speak out against the C.R.E.A.M credo that permeates hip-hop is unparalleled. The Brooklyn mic fiend's vast vocabulary and clear delivery are on display on "Mental Stamina," where he gloats that he's a "Phoenician with more stamina than a Christian," as he introduces the world to rhyme partner Afu Ra. And the street anthem "Come Clean" features DJ Premier--arguably hip-hop's best producer--at his finest (check the drippy faucet sample). This album isn't without controversy, however. On "Da Bichez," Jeru draws a distinction between what he calls "bitches" and "young ladies" over a hot horn loop. But in spite of some inconsistencies in his stance as a prophet, this 40-minute album contains no filler, and remains his best work to date. --Dalton Higgins