The Sun Rises In The

The Sun Rises In The

• Shrink-wrapped

When a Rastafarian MC stole the show on Gang Starr's posse cut "I'm the Man" (from their <i>Daily Operation</i> LP), rap fans took notice. And they were not disappointed by Jeru the Damaja's aptly titled debut, <I>The Sun Rises in the East</I>. His ability to drop rhymes filled with Biblical references and simultaneously speak out against the C.R.E.A.M credo that permeates hip-hop is unparalleled. The Brooklyn mic fiend's vast vocabulary and clear delivery are on display on "Mental Stamina," where he gloats that he's a "Phoenician with more stamina than a Christian," as he introduces the world to rhyme partner Afu Ra. And the street anthem "Come Clean" features DJ Premier--arguably hip-hop's best producer--at his finest (check the drippy faucet sample). This album isn't without controversy, however. On "Da Bichez," Jeru draws a distinction between what he calls "bitches" and "young ladies" over a hot horn loop. But in spite of some inconsistencies in his stance as a prophet, this 40-minute album contains no filler, and remains his best work to date. <I>--Dalton Higgins</I>