Jazzy Jeff / Various

If classic ’90s hip-hop is your thing then more than likely Jazzy Jeff has what you need on the latest edition of this mix CD. While the selection is peerless and the turntable theatrics are flawlessly executed, there is a distinct lack of surprise about the proceedings. Unless Jazzy Jeff is targeting hip-hop novices here, there’s nothing particular groundbreaking about putting hip hop canon tracks like Pharcyde’s "Passin Me By” and A Tribe Called Quest’s "Award Tour” on this compilation. Still, his obvious affinity for indie hip-hop successes like Little Brother and Mr. Complex breaks the mould. He also obviously is a fan of Toronto’s Saukrates as he not only includes "Play Dis,” his decade-old duet with Common, he also slips in Masta Ace’s "Top 10 List,” a track that was produced by Big Sox. While it’s hard to quibble with the quality of hearing music from Big L, Black Moon and Gang Starr, it’s also not hard to find much of the same selection on a college radio show or at an underground hip-hop club night.