As
Capone-N-Noreaga
-- which naturally translates into the clever initials CNN -- were recording their debut album,
Capone
was sent to jail, leaving
Noreaga
to handle the majority of
The War Report
himself, with the occasional help of such stars as
Nas
. It's a testament to the talents of both
and
that
C
's absence is barely felt and
turns into a stellar debut. Both rappers have a distinctive rhythmic style and aren't afraid to deviate from traditional
hardcore rap
themes. Nor are they constrained by musical stereotypes, since
explodes with impressionistic samples, gritty and evocative loops, and funky rhythms. The only thing that makes
a disappointment is the knowledge that it would have been an even better album if
had been able to participate in the entire recording. As it stands, it's merely superb. ~ Leo Stanley