Pete Rock & InI
Center Of Attention (180g) Vinyl 2LP

Pete Rock on production, with Rob-O, Grap Luva, Ras G, and Marco Polo spitting them thought-provoking rhymes (s/o to DJ Boodakhan also). Originally slated to be released in the mid-'90s, Elektra shelved the album indefinitely, only to see it become one of the most bootlegged hip-hop records to date. The underground classic is now available officially, and the wait was worth it as Center Of Attention captures the essence of what conscious East Coast rap was all about. Rock even contributes a few verses on songs ("Fakin Jax" & "Worldwide"), and you can hear the legendary producer handling ad-libs and additional vocals throughout the LP. Jazzy, top-notch boom bap beats and smooth, mumble-free delivery on the mic, check out: "Grown Man Sport," "Step Up," "Square One," and "Microphonist Wanderlust."

• music label: Vinyl Digital 2018

reviewed by pocari papi 07/18