De La Soul: "OOOH!"

After a four year hiatus, De La Soul is hitting us off with a monster project titled Art Official Intelligence. Slated to be a three album project the first installment is due out this summer and the first single "OOOH!" is already getting heavy play. Featuring Redman this track is a direct attack on the current state of "iced-out" Hip-Hop. Each MC pulls no punches over a fluid, neck-snapping track. So fake rappers beware because veterans De La Soul are back to reclaim Hip-Hop in their name.

Hip Hop For Respect: EP

In retaliation to the sudden abundance of police fatality cases, Hip-Hop has banded together once again for a common cause. Featuring everyone from Common to Kool G Rap to Mos Def to Rah Digga, One Four Love Pt. I is a definite banger with a great message. Pt. II is the beat but includes a different group of MC's (Channel Live, Wise Intelligent, Cappadonna, etc.) that want to put in their two-cents worth. Produced by Organized Noize, this song is given the perfect backdrop for such a potent message.

The two following tracks, "Protective Custody" and "A Tree Never Grown," are all along the same line and themselves feature even more dope MC's to spread the word. It is a project that deserves plenty of support because of what it stands for. Although it is only four songs deep, it is still worth every penny and should be given your full attention.

Too Short: "2 Bitches" b/w "Pimp Shit"

Staying out of retirement Too Short hits us off once again with his latest single "2 Bitches." Produced by Jazze Pha' the beat is on some futuristic East Bay funk that is a few BPM's faster than you normal Too Short groove. With more freaky tale lyrics of a menage a tois, it is still typical Short Dog.

The B-Side "Pimp Shit," is classic Short with it's slow-tempo, Moog Bass and funk guitar. Talking once again about how big of a pimp he is, this single will keep fans happy as they ride all summer long.