Mixing up the beats and delivering the fine rhymes of some of the most happening new artists, The Hip-hop Alliance offers a primer in modern rap. While the record features 14 tracks from as many different artists, the producers have maintained a smooth flow, one that gives the record a sense of continuity.

One of hip-hop’s greatest strengths is its honesty about the human condition, whether dealing with racism, sexuality or the pressure to conform. Take "Chill" by New Breed, where the female rapper refuses to be denigrated to just a "skirt." In a similar vein, Royal Ruckus is looking for a woman with a heart for God in "A Las Chicas" and Tapwater asks for divine direction in a romantic situation in "Release."

Others involved include MG the Visionary, "Decimal and John Reuben, but this thing rocks from start to finish.