Soul Assassins

California's Soul Assassins collective, headed by Cypress Hills' DJ Muggs, have compiled a new album that showcases a litany of dope MCs and producers, from Bun B, Alchemist, Necro, Evidence, B-Real and La Coka Nostra to Planet Asia, Self Scientific, the RZA and newcomer Fashawn. From start to finish, Intermission bangs with fresh beats and non-stop lyrics courtesy of the creative musical pairings. "Gangsta Shit," featuring Bun B and Dead Prez's M1, comes charging right out of the gate, as the two MCs trade verses over a menacing Southern bounce. "Rep Yo Shit" has P.C.P., the vulgar duo of Sick Jacken and Necro, riding some double-time haunted house organs while underground stalwart Planet Asia, laced with an off-kilter West Coast lean, drops some knowledge: "One sniff have your heart speeding fast/Like your chest's playing drum and bass." If the Intermission sounds this good, one can only imagine how dope the rest of the show is going to be.