The Lobo threesome

Crime Mob

Hated on Mostly

Available Now

If you want to listen to great hip-hop beats, look no further than Crime Mob's latest album. But if you want lyrical substance on top of those beats, you'll have to keep looking. Even though it has been almost three years since its last commercial hit, "Knuck if You Buck," Crime Mob is sure to have several singles that will be dance-floor favorites, including "Represent," "Rock Yo Hips" and "Big Boy Pimpin." Like other so-called crunk hip-hop songs, horns and deep bass beats are featured on just about every track. This is an actual group, where each member raps on each song. While groups like the Black Eyed Peas and the Fugees rely on female vocalists, Crime Mob is even-handed when it comes to showcasing each member's talents. This is especially valuable on the track "Circles," where the band describes problems in its personal relationships. Crime Mob may not have the substance to obtain any meaningful longevity, but it will be riding high for the time being with its club hits.

If you like this music, you might also enjoy:

The Inspiration - Young Jeezy

We Got This - B.G. and the Chopper City Boyz

Music Is My Savior - Mims

Neil Young

Live at Massey Hall 1971

Available Now

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to hear Neil Young live in concert when he was near his peak of popularity? Wonder no longer. And whether you're already familiar with the musical style of Young, his new release from his Archive Performance Series will give you a virtual front-row ticket to his Massey Hall performance 36 years ago. Young takes you on a journey though his life growing up in Canada, his move to the U.S. to pursue his musical career and all his emotions throughout. Perhaps the best part of the album is Young's commentary

between tracks. When speaking to his audience, his awkwardness and subtle humor creates an intimacy that is often missing in other artists' live concert releases. While this generation may not have known what it was like to hear Young's folk songs when they were new, this Massey Hall performance is the closest thing to going back in time.

Live at Massey Hall 1971 is a great way to be introduced or reacquainted with the early songs of Young's prolific career.

If you like this music, you might also enjoy:

West - Lucinda Williams

My Name Is Buddy - Ry Cooder

Preludes - Warren Zevon

Young Buck

Buck the World

Available Now

After a string of disappointing album releases from G-Unit, Young Buck makes only a slight improvement. Listeners can expect the usual hardcore East Coast rap style that the G-Unit institution is known for, but Young Buck brings his personal Southern touch by employing the crunk-style method of beats and lyrical flow. While Buck the World isn't a bad album, it is far from great. Few tracks stand out as being something that pushes the envelope, or something that will make listeners think past who they're dancing with. Young Buck had the world of rap at his disposal to make a great album, and for the most part, he used it - guest spots come from Snoop Dogg, T.I., Trick Daddy, Jazze Pha, Young Jeezy and, of course, 50 Cent, among others - but most would have expected better. When reviewing the career of Young Buck, this obviously won't be his greatest musical achievement, but it will show his progress toward that goal. But then, what artist can say he or she peaked with a sophomore release? Oh yeah, the continuous and slightly grating repetitions of "G-G-G Unit" are also prevalent on the album. But you probably already knew that.

If you like this music, you might also enjoy:

Underground Kingz - UGK

Get Money, Stay True - Paul Wall

Doctor's Advocate - Game