Basic Training: Boot Camp Clik's Greatest Hits [PA] by Boot Camp Clik

Brooklyn's own Boot Camp Clik is a collective of like-minded underground hip-hop artists that includes Black Moon, Cocoa Brovaz, Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah, and OGC. BASIC TRAINING collects some of the crew's brightest moments that were previously released on a variety of labels. While each performer showcases an individual lyrical style, the production remains consistent throughout. The focus is on lyrical and not musical bravado, though the raw, street-level beats feature plenty of interesting rough edges. Sedate, muted jazz samples provide an interesting contrast to the grim lyrics and thick beats. While the highest-profile artists represented here are Black Moon and Cocoa Brovaz (once known as Smif N Wessun), the compilation showcases strong tracks from every member of the BCC crew. The standout tracks diverge from the minimalist formulae. Black Moon's "Two Turntable & a Mic" pays tribute to hip-hop's past and looks toward its brighter future. With its furious scratching and old-school sample, the trac...