Reflection Eternal [PA] (CD - 2000)

Personnel: Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek (rap vocals); Dave Chapelle, Lennox Lewis, Gil Scott-Heron (spoken vocals): Jeff Davidson (guitar); Owen Brown (fiddle); Teodross Avery (saxophone); Derrick Gardner (trumpet); Weldon Irvine (keyboards); Bassi Kolo Percussion Group (percussion); Chris Crossfader (DJ); Donte, Nonye, Big Del, Kendra Ross, Tiye Phoenix, Monique Walker, Imani Uzuri, Tiyi Willingham, Neb Luv, Little Tone, Darcel Katushig (background vocals).

Producers: Hi Tek, Talib Kweli, Weldon Irvine, Dave Dar.

Engineers: Troy Hightower, Guy Snider, Dave Dar.

With a back-to-the-streets, grassroots approach, rapper Talib Kwali and producer Hi-Tek have constructed a simple, pure hip-hop album. Their formula is simple: hot banging beats with novel samples, combined with slick, stylish street corner rhymes.

Joined by a who's who of hip-hop like De La Soul ("Soul Rebels"), Mos Def ("This Means You"), and Kool G Rap ("Ghetto Afterlife"), REFLECTION ETERNAL is packed with everything a hip-hop fan could want. A notable cut is "Down For the Count," which features Rah Digga, Xzibit and a cameo from boxing champion Lennox Lewis, here performing in something of a different style to his showbiz colleague Oscar De La Hoya. If you're looking for pure hip-hop, REFLECTION ETERNAL is for you. minimize