Dave Chamberlain

The master DJ outdoes himself by following up 1998's "Soul Survivor" with "Soul Survivor II," featuring a veritable who's who of talented rappers, including Kardinal Offishall, Pharoahe Monche, RZA, GZA and the Dead Prez Crew. The tracks as a whole--meaning with the various rappers, or in some cases, vocalists--prove Rock a producer who can move forward by looking backward. As more and more hip-hop moves away from the funk and soul base that marked the genre in its early days, here Rock creates as much a modern soul record as a hip-hop record. (This is even more evident on the companion release, the all-instrumental "Soul Survivor II, Volume 2.") Vocals from Leela James on "No Tears," set over sampled orchestration and a bassline with stylish groove, crush anything you'll hear on modern R&B radio stations. Rock's production acumen is extraordinary: he never relinquishes his own soul-centric vision to the flavor of the rapper, but somehow he's able to prevent his own vision from snuffing out other artists' personas. "Head Rush," featuring rhymes from RZA and GZA, perfectly blends Wu-Tang and the DJ, simultaneously integrating his own flesh-and-blood soul with the rappers' overwhelming thug atmosphere. It's a talent that's apparent throughout "Soul Survivor II," but the clear highlights hit when Rock connects with the man who most shares his vision, C.L. Smooth, the rapper with whom the DJ started his career on 1991's "All Souled Out."

Pete Rock opens for Mr. Cheeks, August 6 at the House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, (312)923-2000.

(2004-08-03)

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