Soul Assassins
Intermission

Time for comebacks on the Cypress Hill front: after the awful solo debut of B-Real, and the new CH "Rise Up" (set to release in early 2010), it's Dj Muggs' turn with his Soul Assassins project, one of the most anticipated releases in recent years where the very active Italian-American producer has really released everything and more (exploring various genres and heavily collaborating), continuously delaying the new chapter of this collection (the last being 9 years ago).

The first volume from 97 had made an impression for its ability to create a product full of big names (Krs-One, Rza, Mobb Deep among others) and super productions (from Mr. Muggerud it couldn't have been otherwise) that united the east sound with the west one, the various styles of the guests without the slightest drop in tone. Although not at the same levels, Chapter 2 was no less impressive (Kool G Rap, Gza, the same Cypress among others), and certainly one is not disappointed when reading the features of this new episode (which Muggs himself, as the title suggests, defines as an "intermission" before chapter 3) [also soon to be released, along with a documentary and film].

We have the capable M1 (Dead Prez), the crazy Necro, the usual Xzibit, the old acquaintances RZA and B-Real (who take part in the title track), and the "confirmed again" Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Big Twin (Infamous Mobb). For the rest, Muggs gives space to less "resonant" names and therefore to various affiliates of the Soul Assassins movement, which have already dealt with his beats several times, obviously we speak of Sick Jacken and Evidence (you'll remember Psycho Realm and Dilated Peoples), Planet Asia, Cynic, and La Coka Nostra (the new crew that reunites the former House Of Pain, Ill Bill ex Non Phixion and a couple of newcomers). 

The marginal role of the boss is immediately noticeable this time (only 6 out of 15 of his productions), for the rest there is ample space for the loyal student The Alchemist, and the new protégé G-Rocka (5 productions entrusted), a young man on whom Muggs seems to rely heavily, but who, apart from the curious 8-bit like ideas of "Like That Y'All" and "Intermission" ( which nevertheless certainly do not remain memorable episodes) turns out to be absolutely not up to par.

There are noticeable rather disappointing modern influences in the general sound: "Gansta Shit" with its g-funk synths, the horrible G-Unit style refrain, various shots and triggers, appears pathetic and sycophantic, "Gunshots" similarly, with the difference that here, as on the Latin "Classical", The Alchemist pulls out a strong beat, while the second single "Figure It Out" with Timbaland-like synths and pitched voices is simply embarrassing. As embarrassing as "Do It" and "Champions" (another terrible G-Rocka) with their almost Crunk-like pace (!). Not convincing is even the rock crossover of "Good Evening Los Angeles" produced by Dj Khalil (loyal Aftermath man, and I've said it all), while on decidedly other levels are "Rep Yo Shit" and "Call It Like I See It",both produced by DJ Muggs: the first with Necro in great shape on a strong base of a very successful piano riff, the second a track with shaolin-like tones very Wu. Under the pseudonym "Dust", Muggerud instead revives the sound of the eponymous album, with an interesting mix of lo-fi Trip Hop and Hip Hop that he had already well accustomed us to.

Awaiting chapter 3 we are faced with yet another flop that is uniting all recent releases of the four Cypress, and besides the usual beautiful cover there's little to save here either. In the meantime, rumors have it that even in the new album from these last ones Muggs will play a minor role compared to the past (which does not leave me many positive expectations). There will indeed be several third-party productions, including the well-received The Alchemist, Premier, but also Mike Shinoda (. . .) along with appearances by Tom Morello (ex Audioslave and RATM) and Slash (ex Guns n’ Roses) which leave me perplexed, but at the same time, knowing the flexibility of Muggs and company intrigues me. Something different from the usual seems to be cooking, but if this "different from the usual" is like what was heard on Intermission... well, it's much better to fall back on the dear old Chapter 1 and Temples Of Boom for the true Soul Assassins Sound.