What Are You Listening To? Hip-Hop 2 is a multi-artist compilation released on Chordant Distribution Group in 2003, marketed and distributed in the EU by Kingsway Communications.
I’m always a bit wary of compilations. It seems that whoever compiles these albums inevitably slips in a few dodgy tracks. Or, even worse, the album starts with two amazing cuts (which you already own!) and then deteriorates into a wallowing mess of unheard tunes that really should remain that way. But even a quick glance at the track listing for this compilation destroys these initial speculations. The first two supplied by The Cross Movement and Grits are superb (of course); then, contrary to the presumption, followed by the excellent classic «Do Not» from John Reuben, perhaps a little over played, but still a catchy riff. DJ Maj gives us «God Music», a pounding anthem that would go down a bomb at any party (it’s worth getting the CD for this tune alone!). Verbs, T-Bone, Lil i’ROCC Williams and Propaganda add their own styles into the fun. By now, this album is a jumping clash of fantastically chosen tracks, all with a party swing to them. So, Underground Rise get serious with «Doing Life» and Peace Of Mind and Peace 586 add that soulful touch. It all concludes with a cheeky little number from Sev Statik, sure to thrill those who like their hip-hop rough and ready. As if that wasn’t enough, you get a whole bunch of money-off vouchers included in the sleeve. What can I say? A cunningly effective promotional compilation that I actually enjoyed listening to the whole of! Get this. [David Bain, Cross Rhythms, March 2004]
CD tracklist:
01. The Cross Movement – Cry No More – 4:27 (from Holy Culture)
02. Grits – Here We Go – 3:19 (from The Art of Translation)
03. John Reuben – Do Not – 4:05 (from Are We There Yet?)
04. DJ Maj – God Music (feat. Pigeon John) – 4:01 (from The Ringleader: Mixtape Volume 3)
05. Verbs – She’s Miss Sin – 3:40 (from Unlocked)
06. T-Bone – Pop Ya Colla – 4:49 (from Gospel Alpha Mega Funky Boogie Disco Music)
07. Lil I’Rocc Williams – All My People – 3:27 (from Lil Irocc Williams)
08. Propaganda – Move With Me – 3:55 (from Out of Knowhere)
09. Underground Rise – Doing Life – 3:46
10. Peace Of Mind – We Gon A Make It – 4:20
11. Peace 586 – Love’s Still There – 3:32 (from Generations)
12. Sev Statik – Rock Of Ages – 3:54 (from SpeakLife)