Album Review: Craig G - This is Now!!!

You have to feel a little sorry for Craig G. The former Juice Crew member never really got the props or success that his compatriots from Marley Marl's House of Hits had heaped on their heads. While Kane got the ladies, Master Ace got the critical claim for his themed albums, Biz got the people laughing, and G Rap kept it gangsta, Craig G kinda dropped off everyone's radar. Despite his reputation as a fearsome battle rhymer and a skilled DJ, as the Juice Crew's collective star started to wane, folks recorded all the other members to their "happy memories" file, and forgot all about the cat who dropped science.

Craig has been busy though, refusing to stop working. Continuing to add to his underground rep as a freestyle virtuoso, he was eventually approached by the producers of Eminem's "8 Mile" movie, who wanted him to work with Slim Shady in writing the rhymes for all the battle scenes. I think those of you who have peeped the flick can agree that Craig still has some major skills with a pen - some of his one liners were amazing.

Now signed to D&D Records, recording offshoot of the legendary D&D Studios, Craig's new album "This Is Now" is ready to hit the streets.

Take one Curt Cazal beat, PACKED with electricity. Take one emcee from the Golden Era. Put em together, and the opening track, 'Don't Care Who We Bang' is the hot result. Craig opens the album in a style reminiscient of Canibus (if homeboy concentrated more on skills and delivery than long words and science projects in his rhymes) - gruff voiced, bouncing off the beat as it hammers along. Its a heavy heavy intro for those who may be unaware - Craig sounds hungry as hell on the mic, and his aggressiveness competes for your ears with the excellent Cazal beat...