June 16, 2003 @ 8:00 pm

Various Artists - D&D Project II (D&D)

by: Gregory Johnson

One of New York’s holiest hip hop sites, D&D Studios, has been flirting with cutting its own records since producing the first D&D Project in 1995, a compilation that paired unsigned rookies with all-stars like KRS-One and Jeru the Damaja. D&D Project II isn’t about unlikely collaborations, however—it’s a vehicle for D&D Records’ new roster: Craig-G, Jack Venom, QNC, Afu-Ra, and Krumb Snatcha, with re-spected producers like the Alchemist and Da Beatminerz on deck.

One of New York’s holiest hip hop sites, D&D Studios, has been flirting with cutting its own records since producing the first D&D Project in 1995, a compilation that paired unsigned rookies with all-stars like KRS-One and Jeru the Damaja. D&D Project II isn’t about unlikely collaborations, however—it’s a vehicle for D&D Records’ new roster: Craig-G, Jack Venom, QNC, Afu-Ra, and Krumb Snatcha, with re-spected producers like the Alchemist and Da Beatminerz on deck. “This is for the whole world to hear,” proclaims Craig-G on the playful party cut “Say What Ya Want.” But while Krumb Snatcha’s “What’s Life” hits hard, many of these contenders need to get their weight up. Cuts like Jack Venom’s “Itz Nuttin” and Buddhakai’s “When It Comes to a War” are beige bland. Thankfully, the marquee artists score with “Hot Shit,” a Beatminerz-produced zinger, featuring Big Daddy Kane, Guru, and Sadat X, with an infectious hook supplied by Greg Nice. D&D’s upstart MCs aren’t quite ready for prime time; it’s the vets who keep D&D Project II in competition.

Article tags: Various, Artists, D&D Project, II, D&D 

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