Cormega

It's sad that in 2011, most heads probably still know Cormega best as the subject of Nas's "One Love" or from his short stint in Nas/AZ/Foxy Brown super-group the Firm. Raw Forever is a two-disc attempt to right this wrong. Disc one is a concise best-of that makes room for murder ballad "Dead Man Walking," the Mobb Deep-assisted "Killaz Theme" and the O.G. wisdom of "True Meaning." These 11 songs showcase the Queensbridge rhymer's methodical flow and gift for vivid imagery well. On disc two, Cormega reworks his career highlights with R&B band the Revelations, to very mixed effect. If the first disc is a bit brief (no "Affirmative Action"?) and the rhymes don't always mesh with the live band, Cormega should still be applauded for defying the greatest hits blueprint. For those new to Corey's detailed street narratives, there's never been a better time to get acquainted with rap's most unheralded crime writer.