Various Artists / Crunk Hits / CD Review

TVT Records

The liner notes to Crunk Hits reads like a who’s who of modern hip hop music. Tracks from Usher, the Ying Yang Twins, Lil’ John, Nelly, Trick Daddy, Juvenile, Khia and so many more pack this all star disc. This compilation could just as easily been named Now That’s What I Call Crunk Vol. 1. It represents the last few years in rap radio quite nicely. From Lil’ John’s “Get Low” To Chingy’s “Right Thurr,” everything is included. This disc highlights why this subgenre of rap is so popular right now. These guys (and gals) have fun. It’s like an adrenaline rush on disc. The only thing really missing from this album is any of the tracks from the Ying Yang Twins latest album U.S.A. Surely “Wait (The Whisper Song)” was considered for inclusion.

TVT records have turned into one of rap’s premiere record labels. This disc proves that. It also highlights some of the label’s less popular acts like Jacki-O and the surging Pitbull. It’s amazing that the execs over at TVT were able to orchestrate obtaining the rights to these songs from so many labels. Releasing this album just in time for Christmas was a great marketing decision. This’ll surely be one of the seasons big sellers simply because it’s the only Crunk CD you’ll need.

One thing I’ve got to mention is: what’s up with cover art for compilation discs these days? Why does it look like some “as seen on TV” disc? Little things like this kind of bug me.