Big Shug's New Album, Streetchamp

Today's hip hop generation doesn't want to rock out to the "old cats." But let's keep it real, a little appreciation where it's due won't hurt nobody.

The topic on everyone's lips is the state of hip hop: Where is it going? Is it right to censor it? These are all rhetorical questions, meaning that a roundtable discussion can go on without any predictable ending. Still, one thing is certain, hip hop has left the nest and the parents are suffering the symptoms of empty nest syndrome. In come artists like Big Shug, member of Gang Starr, the super duo consisting of Guru and later instilling the legendary DJ Premier.

Is this project a direct action reacting to Empty Nest syndrome? Probably. Regardless, Big Shug is ready to put the past right where it belongs; behind him. Out this summer is Big Shug's album, Streetchamp, uses the age old formula that has worked for him before: yes, that means he teams up with colleague DJ Premier.

The beats are incredible, his flow is lazy. Not that it's a bad thing; it's just different from today's hip hop where artists are much more animated.

One would think that DJ Premier would be the star producer on this joint, but ironically Moss steals that spotlight with a few tracks that have great production like "What You Gonna Do."

Summing up the album, lets just say that I miss Guru's raspy voice on this album.