Are you ready? Cause this is the Souuth....Rakkaas....Crrrreew!!! The newest producers to hit Diplo's Mad Decent label. Despite the generic promo cover, don't be fooled. This is the label that brought you Blaqstarr and Bonde Do Role, remember? And the Rakkas are here because they rock! Originally from Southern Canada, but now operating out of Orlando, SRC is mostly known for their banging dancehall riddims (Clappas, Red Alert, Bionic Ras, Chinkuzi, etc.) and their wide range of styles (they've worked with Beenie Man, Elephant Man to even NSYNC!). This is their first EP premiering their blends to the public, so do not sleep. Everyone from Snackmaster and I to Cosmo Baker have been hooked on their infectious styles since the promos were dropped off a month ago. The whole album is pretty much on fire, but if you want the hand picked selections, check the dancehall/80's house flavor of "Mad Again(1)" feat. New Kidz, which uses the keys from Inner City's "Good Life" to make a hard-to-resist hybrid. I never would have thought it possible, but SRC is big on surprises and they pull it off with a bang! Also check the Sesame Street Pinball "Number" song being cleverly flipped on "Twelve(2)" feat. the hype vocals from Geefus(from Stone Love) & Ninja Kid, The Jackson's addictive "Can You Feel It?" riddim on T.O.K.'s "Carry Feelings(3)," the female pop sound of Sandy Smith ft. Geefus on "When You Play Dancehall(4)," the old skool break mixed with Josh Wink's "Higher States Of Consciousness" on Kid Foreigner's "Hotter Than Them(5)" ft. Bigga Boss, the new dancehall feel of Capleton's "Real Hot Remix(6)" and Mr. Vegas, Alozade and Hollowpoint on the "Under Mi Sensi - Retro Mix(7)." I know our dancehall section has been lacking tremendously since there's no Frogman's to keep stock on all the new Jamaican 7"s, but this should make up for some of that (although I miss those Reggae Gold covers and promo posters!) Whoo! Very Recommended.

reviewed by C'mish