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Ragz Mo Rocka:
Rising of the Phoenix
For the past decade, underground hip-hop has been dominated by super-groups representing labels such as Anticon and Def Jux with "messages" representing a modestly conscious alternative to the party-rappers of the mainstream. Underground rap has carried a heavy tone until Ragz Mo Rocka's light-bodied offering Rising of the Phoenix. The eclectic collection of genres found on the record works in a curious manner as a sort of soundtrack for an evening that can range anywhere from a loungin' cocktail party to your typical blunting of the minds. The mix-tape intentions of the record are achieved through the innovative, creative forces of Al Diaz, who seems to be the headmaster for the duration of the album. One criticism of the record is singer Mike Santoro's desire to be a roots-rocker on tracks such as "Good Timez," "Hooked," and "Burden Need," where the tracks have dandy chilled-out melodies; but they seem to have no place on a record that represents itself as having an "animated band." The record aims to offer a follow-up to 2001's smash success of The Gorillaz, but Ragz Mo' Rocka, "the cartoon characters," do not effectively define any clearly recognizable personas throughout. One attempt at doing so is on "Big Dub Symphony Orchestra," which comes complete with a Deathstar beat and rhythm alongside a Darth Vader-type rhyme sequence. The song is amusing for a bit, but it doesn't offer anything clever or witty. One track of notable mention is "El Amalgado," which fulfills the Latin-jazz portion of the variety show, making it obvious why Diaz has worked with luminary D.J.'s in the past. Even though the album doesn't come through on its promises of being the next great, animated record, those with musical tastes as expansive as a Cheesecake Factory menu will find gratification from this release.
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