Global Warning

The cameos are only bonuses, as the contrasting deliveries of lead MCs Red 1 and Misfit hold down certified bangers like "Can't Hide," produced by reputed beat-layer the Alchemist. They prove their versatility by drawing on everything from wrestler Bret "the Hitman" Hart to New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" for inspiration. But the chemistry between the MCs and Kemo's quirky, moody beats really gels when they explore diasporic realms. Whether trading rhymes with Francophone MC Muzion ("Bare Witness"), tapping steel-pan flavor on "Population Control," or featuring legendary reggae crooner Barrington Levy on the spellbinding "Top of the World," their effortless blending of influences subtly expresses the global nature of the hip-hop nation. --Del F. Cowie