Rock City

"Boom" itself is a case in point. One of the better tracks the brilliant DJ Premier has produced in the past few years, it quickly became a staple in hip-hop clubs. But when it was first released, while Primo's style remained unmistakable, nobody could at first figure out who the rapper was. Royce's voice--like a gruffer Common or more mellifluous Jeru--isn't as distinctive as either.

But there is plenty of material here that proves Royce can cut it. "Mr Baller" unites him with Clipse, and Premier's other track, "My Friend", is very nearly "Boom"'s equal. The title track sees his Detroit homeboy Eminem join in, and "Life", dedicated to his son, even interpolates the Bee Gees' "Woman In Love" to impressive effect. Rock City gets better the more you play it, and has the feel of an underground classic. --Angus Batey