Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits 4

Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits 4

This compilation is packed tighter with hits than hoochies in front of the stage at a Cash Money concert. Which makes sense because tastemaking mag <i>The Source</i> enforces hip-hop's chart hegemony through its corporate-controlled coverage--with one notable exception: the Made Men. This Boston-based crew are old pals of David Mays (<i>The Source</i>'s publisher) and have been shamelessly supported by said mag for years in spite of their minimal talent. Nepotism, anyone? Fortunately, they don't seem to be getting anywhere, except onto this compilation. Aside from their suspicious inclusion, all the usual <i>Billboard</i> suspects are here, from agitated one-note barker DMX to whiny whitey Eminem. Guilty pleasures like Shyne's incriminating "Bad Boyz" and the Three 6 Mafia's neo-Funky Cold Medina "Sippin' on Some Syrup" share space with two (count 'em) decent tracks: Common's "The Light" and De La Soul's "Oooh." <I>--Cristina Restrepo</I>