RASCALZ Reloaded (BMG) Rating: NNN Rating: NNN
There’s always been a dancehall element to the hiphop of the Rascalz, so rather than try to find a happy balance between the two, the Vancouver crew have gone all out on Reloaded. Driven by digital, dancehall-inspired beats and ragga slang, the 18 cuts here are some of the most convincing collisions ever between the two styles. Unfortunately, even the best dancehall riddim gets tiresome eventually, and the lack of hooks ultimately drags Reloaded down. It might not be as hardcore as being a roots star, but Rascalz are at their best when they’re a pop group. Massive, break-driven tracks like Movie Star, Warrior and Crazy World are as good summer songs as you could ask for. Rascalz shouldn’t be shy about rocking the crowd.