Various

Rising up from the masses of mediocrity, is a compilation made with the backpacker in mind. Presiding over this union, between the Wu-Tang and the underground, is executive producer Dreddy Kruger. His goal: return the music to a higher place. For this, he enlists MF Doom, C-Ray Walz, Planet Asia, Del tha Funky Homosapien, J-Live, Rass Kass and Aesop Rock. Too bad most of the Wu-Tang’s dopest lyricists call in sick, or dead (R.I.P. ODB), leaving us with the RZA, the GZA and U-God. You’ve heard better lyrics from all of these artists, but the novelty of Doom and RZA trading lyrical darts overrides the throwaway verse Doom dispenses. The spirit of Marvin Gaye inhabits the beat on "Listen” as Planet Asia, Khalid and Littles peddle their past lives spent pumping the block full of rocks. "Verses” and "Preservation” are just as haunting. Each lures you into lush landscapes where these emcees assault you from all sides lyrically astute.