I will be honest with you: normally when I see a hip-hop album with a CGI constructed cover I walk right by, and when this was handed to me I started to think about drink coasters and Frisbees. However, after DJ Cash Money’s recent showcase I thought I would at least give it a go, since it's on his label.

This 19 year old made his debut in the group BG’z in 1997 at the tender age of fourteen, and unlike other kid MCs (like, say, Kriss Kross) he is still going strong. And unlike many other nineteen year olds he has a lot of experience which shows through in his tight bouncing party rhymes.

This CD is infectious and has a bounce and swing to it that is lacking from many of today’s more commercial hip-hop releases: the first track Look At Me sets the tone for the rest of the CD with a tight production and a bouncing bass line that's guaranteed to get heads nodding. The highlight of the CD would be the next track Way Of Life, featuring R&B artist TQ. This track features a rehashing of Dennis Edwards Don’t Look Any Further, which is instantly recognisable as the hook from Eric B and Rakim’s classic cut Paid In Full.

‘500 Degreez’ has a good range of party tracks such as these to rougher harder rhymes including those featured on Gangsta Shit (feat the manic Petty Pablo) and Where You At. While the production is tight on the tracks there is not much variation in beat style, tempo or hooks. Nor is there much variation in Lil’ Wayne’s rhymes - but hey, he’s only nineteen and hopefully will be able to expand his rhyme ability in coming years. Overall, an enjoyable CD that reminds me of the old saying “you should never judge a book by its cover”.

Lachy Pender

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