BLACK OUT! (EX)

Personnel includes: Method Man, Redman, Ghostface, Street, LL Cool J, Mally G, Missy Elliott (vocals).
Producers include: Erick Sermon, RZA, Redman, Gov Mattic, DJ Scratch.
Engineers include: Dave Greenberg, Brian Springer, Tommy Uzzo.
Personnel includes: Method Man, Redman, Ghostface, Street, LL Cool J, Mally G, Missy Elliott (vocals).
Producers include: Erick Sermon, RZA, Redman, Gov Mattic, DJ Scratch.
Engineers include: Dave Greenberg, Brian Springer, Tommy Uzzo.
One of the most interesting things about this collaboration between two of hip-hop's heaviest hitters is how little it relies on traditional hip-hop rhythms. Rather, most of the songs on BLACKOUT employ rhythms based on funk and dancehall reggae, giving the album a freshness that sets it apart from the hip-hop pack. Method Man and Redman have nothing if not a talent for drama, going so far as to back up their statements of gangsta superiority and sexual prowess with the sound of exploding bombs on "Fire in Da Hole."
The pair eschews the use of elaborate arrangements and overt samples so as to focus the tracks on their own forceful, dynamic delivery. Most importantly, Method Man and Redman don't appear to be in a contest to see who can rap the fastest. Their pace is deliberate enough to ensure that their message is received, and their style is expansive enough to include vocal flourishes that play off the aforementioned dancehall rhythmic touches.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: Vinyl
• RSD Release Date: n/a
• Released: 9/28/1999