Nocturnal

Boot Camp Clik's Heltah Skeltah turn out willfully low-tech, floss-free music. The duo's philosophy ("Undastand / To be the man ain't even in the plan") is sort of a corner-dweller's adaptation of Tribe's credo ("beats, rhymes & grime"), with a hefty dose of weed and some potential violence thrown in for good measure. Noted underground producers, including Evil Dee, Mr. Walt, and the Alkaholiks' very own E-Swift, help give form to the album's snaky vibe, which progresses under palpable clouds of blunt smoke. Ruc and Roc's lyrics are not overly complex, centering on cipher battles ("Clan's, Posse's, Crew's & Clik's"), turf wars ("Grate Unknown"), and an amusingly wack attempt at a booty call ("Getting' Ass, Getting' Ass"). The criminally underrated Vinia Mojica, also heard gracing Common's hipster classic, Like Water for Chocolate gets some run here, singing the hook on "Therapy." --Rebecca Levine