With so many producers releasing their own pseudo albums (I.e. Hi-Tek, J.D, etc.) it only makes sense for MHz DJ RJD2 to step into the foray with his upcoming LP "Dead Ringer". Though the beatmakers are given top billing you can't help but take these offerings as just another addition to the 'compilation section' at your local record store, where you pick it up mainly on the strength of the featured MCs. "June" b/w "Proxy", RJD2's first single, however has taken a somewhat different approach than those of late. Though Copywrite's appearance commands attention, the track is the focal point. In one verse Copywrite gives his depiction of reality as an artist from an underground MC's perspective over an uptempo beat that is subdued by the harmonizing in the background. This mix gives the song a somber mood as Copywrite strips himself of the battle oriented raps we have come to expect to focus on his personal feelings on his father's passing in the month of June. The lyrics mesh very well with the atmosphere the beat exudes and gives us a glimpse of Copywrite's ability to be more than just another battle MC. However, it is the minute and a half or so between verses that allow you to become engulfed by the track, truly giving RJD2 credit for keeping the listener's ear.

The A-side is an outright winner with "Proxy" and "June (remix)" rounding the single out, giving us an interesting idea of what's to come in the future from Def Jux and RJD2's full length.

Though only a neophyte among the current plethora of labels vying for spotlight these days, Def Jux is carving out a path to success leaving a trail of impressive music behind. Aesop Rock is next in line to deliver. "Coma" b/w "Maintenance" is the first offering from the MC's third forthcoming LP, "Labor Day", with the title coinciding with the record's release date. The A-side has Aesop performing some verbal acrobatics about his own social coma over a simple, yet effective Omega One beat. Though I know some heads love his voice, his vocal tone will have to grow on some, as it did with me through "Float". However with this first single a quicker flow over a faster track has me appreciating his style more and looking forward with increasing anticipation to the next release.

Though both sides weigh in heavy lyrically "Maintenance", produced by Blockhead, is back by a darker beat that had my head nodding from the start of the countdown. Aesop slows the flow up some for another 'several listenings required' tracks so that you can catch the meaning underneath the surface, just don't read too deeply into all the lyrics I heard it bugs him out!

With the cover work having you suspect a mix between Willie D and D-Shot, putting the record on and checking out the tunes, will be accompanied by a pleased head nod, as this Unsigned Hype graduate is coming correct on this 12". With the help of the Alchemist he makes "Say Yes" a bob along moment, that is remarkably lighthearted in sound, what contrasts Saigon going for the gritty street life content on this track. Being more critical about your status than about the game's status, this track got everything, including a memorable hook.

On the flip we find two tracks, the fist being "Contraband (A, B, C, D...)". This is an interesting song, as Saigon is making this interactive, so to say, with his words coming in the form of a multiple choice quiz. And the topic of today is the thug life, them cats that only fake it, and that in away can be either considered to be a completion of the a-side track, or a somewhat clashing effort. The piano by Agallah is kept in the back and again more hopeful than menacing, what makes the track easier to embrace, than if it would be all screaming and hard looking. Also on the b-side is "Now A Days", that features Rough, who like Saigon is part of the Abandoned Nation. This by far is the weakest track on here, as the Civilize beat falls rather flat on its face. And the two rhyming cats are having a hard time to connect with the beat, as well as keeping us around to check out what they got to say. However, the quality of the other two tracks wouldn't have needed this hiccup at the end, as you would have returned to listen to 'em anyways.