A long-standing New York producer, Easy Mo Bee has an impressive track record, having worked with the likes of Biggie, Kane, Busta Rhymes and even Miles Davis. However, despite more than 10 years in the game, he hasn't achieved mainstream recognition on a par with his beat-making peers. Now, with the release of Now Or Never, his solo debut, he aims to wake up an audience that has been sleeping on his skills.

The album begins with the short but fresh title track (RealAudio excerpt of title track), on which the MC makes his presence known. The track is straightforward but tight, with swirling woodwinds and weepy strings drifting over deep bass and raw beats.

Queens, N.Y., legend Kool G Rap brings the hard-core crime rhymes on "N.Y.C." (RealAudio excerpt), assisted by 14-year-old newcomer Jinx Da Juvy. The lyrics are all about murder and drug slingin', but executed perfectly. Subtle horns, mellow acoustic guitar loops, dramatic pianos and vibra-slaps support the duo's felonious flows nicely.

"Sound of My Heart" (RealAudio excerpt) features female rapper Glaze N.Y. trading verses with Snoop Dogg, backed by an ultra-low bassline, wheezing keys and chill beats. It delicately skirts the ever-blurry line between rap and R&B, with background crooning provided by Ken.

Elsewhere, we're treated to a parade of superstars and New Jacks alike, including Gang Starr, Kurupt, Cocoa Bz and Prodigy. There's also a series of phone call interludes that, despite veering dangerously close to cliché, are actually very funny.