Method Man & Redman BLACKOUT 2 (EXPLICIT

Audio Mixers: David "Gordo" Strickland; Gimel "Young Guru" Katon.
Recording information: Gilla Studios, New York, NY; IDAP Studios, Oslo, Norway; Music Factory Recording Studio, Hempstead, NY; Starks Studios, New York, NY.
Photographer: Craig Wetherby.
Arranger: Reggie Noble.
In the decade that separates the original BLACKOUT! and the follow-up, hip-hop as we know it went through a few mutations while Meth and Red have largely stuck to their guns. Longtime fans will be pleased by the same tag-team rhyme chemistry (built on wise-ass pop-culture references, aggressive verbal quips, and a thriving reefer obsession), strong guest spots (from Wu and Def Squad affiliates) and hard-knock East Coast production (thanks to returning producers Erick Sermon, Rockwilder, DJ Scratch, and Mathematics). Still the Blunt Bros aren't impervious to industry trends; Dirty South influences have crept in (see the H-Town flavored "City Lights" featuring Bun B), the vocoder talk-box is utilized on occasion, and both MCs are prone to over-pronouncing their R's in country-bumpkin fashion. One listen to the wicked weed anthem, "Diz iz 4 All My Smokers," should put any doubts as to Meth and Red's continued compatibility to rest. Overall, BLACKOUT! 2 is a potent blend of hardcore and commercial that, in many ways, outshines the original.

• Format: CD
• Genre: Pop