Young MC
wasn't given props at the time and he wasn't respected in the years following the release of his debut
Stone Cold Rhymin'
, largely because he worked entirely in the
pop-rap
/crossover vein. All the same, that's what's great about his debut, since it's exceptionally clever and effective, a wonderful combination of deft rhymes and skillful production. And there's no discounting
Matt Dike
,
Michael Ross
the Dust Brothers
, and engineer
Mario Caldato, Jr.
(the latter two names are members of the
Beastie Boys
' inner circle), who make this record easily accessible, without a trace of guilt, even if it does sample from familiar sources. And, really,
is a gifted rapper, spinning out rhymes with a deft touch and turning out rhymes much more clever than they should be. Yes,
is a product of its time, particularly in its sound and lyrical references, but divorced from the
Bush
era, it comes off as one of the catchiest, friendliest
records and it's still an infectious party record years after its release. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine