Music Review: 'Violator: The Album' (1999) In recent years, Violator Records/Management has become a key player in the hip-hop hierarchy; its nest remains home to rap killer bees like Busta Rhymes,… LL Cool J Q-Tip Busta Rhymes Various Artists Hip-Hop/Rap
EW's GRADE
B+

Details Lead Performances: LL Cool J, Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes and Various Artists; Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap

In recent years, Violator Records/Management has become a key player in the hip-hop hierarchy; its nest remains home to rap killer bees like Busta Rhymes, Big Pun, and Noreaga, all of whom make appearances on the commemorative comp Violator: The Album. The supa-dupa fly lineup makes for a diamond-sharp survey of today's fiercest street funk, but two cuts stand out: ''Say What'' remains LL Cool J's hardest-hitting track in years, while the vibrant funk of Q-Tip's ''Vivrant Thing'' proves he doesn't need the Tribe vibe for slamming solo success.

Originally posted Aug 13, 1999 Published in issue #498 Aug 13, 1999 Order article reprints