Now's the Time
Artist: 4 PM "For Positive Music"
Community Score: 7.50

There are few words that can effectively describe the debut album of 4 PM. Soothing, wholesome, and harmonious are a few adjectives that come to mind, but they do little justice to the quality of this album. Sung with minimal musical accompaniment, Now's the Time focuses on the moving lyrics, presented through the vocal talent of the four... Read More

Gravity
Artist: Da Bush Babees
Community Score: 7.00

After releasing a debut album, Ambushed, that went virtually nowhere in 1994, Da Bush Babees (consisting of Mr. Man, Lee Majors, and Y-Tee) from Flatbush came correct on this hugely improved second effort. There is not a single wrong note struck throughout Gravity, and it is just as artistically successful as albums from sonically similar groups... Read More

Take Your Time
Artist: Day Ta Day

When Take Your Time came out, it was clear that Day Ta Day wasn't interested in being just another faceless urban contemporary act. Although the all-male Washington, D.C. quintet had toured with Salt-N-Pepa and recorded for the rappers' Jireh label, this was among the least hip-hop-influenced R&B releases of 1996. Flashier R&B artists were... Read More

Az Yet
Artist: Az Yet
Community Score: 6.21

Az Yet's eponymous debut is an engaging collection of straight-ahead party hip-hop highlighted by the single "Last Night." Although the remainder of the album isn't quite as memorable as "Last Night," there are enough strong moments to make it a worthwhile listen. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide Read More

Free
Artist: For Real

For Real's second album, Free, is an exceptional set of contemporary R&B that straddles the line between swingbeat and old-school vocal harmonies. Even when the songs are weak, the quintet sings with passion and conviction, making Free a joyous, infectious record. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide Read More

Trapped in the Game
Artist: Hard Boyz

Hard Boyz's second album Trapped in the Game follows the same hardcore hip-hop formula as their debut, only with better results. Their songwriting and beats are stronger, more powerful and their rhyming skills have improved, making it a more effective album overall. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide Read More

Once Upon a Time in America
Artist: Smoothe da Hustler
Greatest Hits
Artist: Fu-Schnickens

A 12-track summation of the group's two albums, Greatest Hits boils down the Fu-Schnickens' output to the absolute cream of the cream. Except maybe for Das EFX, there are very, very few rappers who sound quite like the Fu-Schnickens; some might match the wild, referential lyrics, some the blazing speed of their delivery, but not both. All three... Read More

From Where???
Artist: Mad Skillz
Community Score: 4.00
Operation Stackola
Artist: The Luniz
Community Score: 5.50

Luniz' Operation Stackola is the group's most accomplished and best-selling LP to date. Featuring the Oakland-based duo's only major hit, "I Got Five on It," the album drew attention and admiration from other hip-hop artists, but never crossed over into the pop mainstream. The woofer-shaking bassline and eerie bell-like keyboards of "I Got Five... Read More

Dah Shinin'
Artist: Smif-N-Wessun
Community Score: 9.40
In a Major Way
Artist: E-40
Community Score: 8.05
Dru Hill
Artist: Dru Hill
Community Score: 7.41

Rich harmonies and sleek R&B production with an abundance of vocal acrobatics are all key elements of Dru Hill's eponymous debut. Immediate comparisons to Jodeci and Boyz II Men come to mind, but what makes Dru Hill stand out from the pack is the rawness of Keith Sweat's productions. Other songs on here are of noteworthy interest only to... Read More