World Famous Beat Junkies 2

Though they may lack the flash of turntablist crews such as the X-ecutioners and Invisibl Skratch Piklz, L.A.'s largely nebulous Beat Junkies DJ collective (the 1997 International Turntable Federation champions) are truly a force to be reckoned with. This two-disc mix mainly highlights the cutting and spinning of original crew member Rhettmatic, though fellow Junkies Melo-D, Babu, and J-Rocc make key cameos as well. While Volume 2 lacks the marquee rap hit makers and that higher-profile mix tapes offer, it more than makes up for any star-power deficiencies with a one-two punch of topnotch mixing and an excellent cast of indie rappers (including the Visionaries and Jurassic 5). Closer to an all-new release than an all-star compilation, the set is guaranteed to turn you on to a handful of undiscovered talents, both MC and DJ. And for a mix tape, that's the ultimate accomplishment. --Roni Sarig