This full length, recorded from 91-93, is finally seeing the light in its entirety after all these years. Peanut Butter Wolf and Stones Throw have been slowly releasing this material over the past five years or so, beginning with the single for "Methods," also known as that heavenly smooth shit. Next was the compelling "Devotion," and lately we've been treated to "Here's A Smirk," "Jack The Mack" and a couple others. Even with nothing else worthwhile, this album would be still be a worthy pick-up, but from my perspective the unreleased tracks smoke the recently released singles. I'm especially feeling the PB Wolf production when he aims at my feel-good heart, and the second half of this set reveals at least 4 new pillows to rest headphones on. Just check out the inside joke "Ice Cream Truck" and the sweet guitar loops on "Soon To Be Large." Charizma doesn't have all that much to say on the mic, but that's fine. He can run the beat with anybody and when they are on, his passive/aggressive delivery meshes well with the Peanut Butter. In the end, Big Shots feels like a rough cut of juvenile ambition- like a teenager so talented and full of exuberance that you can't help but get roped along for the ride. 15 tracks total.

• black double vinyl pressing
• music label: Stones Throw 2003

reviewed by the mgmnt 10/2005