Various Artists – More Music From 8 Mile Review

Every true hip-hop head has an opinion on the greatest year in rap history. The old-school cats will tell you that it’s all about 1979 and the genesis of the genre. Some people look at 1988 and cite the birth of N.W.A. and the mainstream success of acts like L.L. Cool J, Kool Moe Dee and Rakim. It’s becoming more and more obvious, however, that 1995 may have been rap music’s zenith.

The gangsta rap era that defined most of the early ‘90s was beginning to show some cracks. Fanatical right-wing activists, led by then-Presidential candidate Bob Dole, among others, attacked the lyrics, the performers and their respective labels. As a result, the “bitches, hoes and drive-bys” dialogue was toned down (but not completely quieted), while hip hop returned to it’s pure lyrical roots…if only briefly.

1995 is the setting for Eminem’s smash hit movie, 8 Mile. This kick ass period for rap is well represented by this follow up to the movie’s original soundtrack (released in late October). The track listing reads like a Who’s Who of the game’s legends.

Tupac Shakur’s Temptations is a wonderfully crafted gem that outlines the struggles of staying true to your girl when you’re rich and famous beyond belief. Ironically enough, Shakur shares album time with his greatest enemy, Biggie Smalls. B.I.G’s classic Juicy details his own rags to riches story, which Eminem has spun on previous tracks of his own.

The mid-‘90s were also home to the Wu Tang Clan’s best work. The group’s far-reaching influence is spread over four tracks, including the magnificently materialistic C.R.E.A.M.. Two others come from founding Wu member, Method Man. Bring The Pain is one of the top 10 solo cuts from the decade, while You’re All I Need is a darkly effective duet with Mary J. Blige.

There is certainly something for everyone, including party tracks by Naughty By Nature and Outkast and a pair of lyrical infernos from Mobb Deep. The only beef with this album are the omissions of some of the era’s finest artists. Snoop Dogg’s haunting Murder Was The Case could have made the cut over ODB’s track. And why is there nothing here from Nas’ Illmatic album, or from Craig Mack, Bone Thugs N’ Harmony or Scarface? All of whom had huge hits in the 1995 timeframe.