Irv Gotti is a great hip-hop producer. He understands the power and beauty of drums and percussion, how they can make the difference between a dud and an inspiring song. He also understands the importance of flavor and never sticks to the same standard hip-hop beats. No one will pay attention to your music if they're bored by the production. Gotti and partner Lil' Rob launched Jay-Z into the stratosphere with "Can I Get A ...," featuring the best use of xylophone in hip-hop history. They made Ja Rule a star with "Holla Holla." Hell, they made Foxy Brown actually sound good on "Hot Spot." So it should come as no surprise that Gotti's production on Irv Gotti Presents the Murderers is top-notch. The album is a showcase for the rappers signed to his Murder Inc. label, who include Tash Murdah, Black Child, Chris Black, O1, Vita and Ja Rule. Ja Rule flexes his starpower muscle throughout. He is the possessor of a heaven-sent gruff, snarling voice, which drives "Murderers," the album's anthem. The combination of his voice and Gotti's laid-back piano-and-conga arrangement are an ideal match. It's too bad the other five pale in comparison. Flat, unmoving rhymes will waste even the most accomplished of beats. Vita at least displays an energy that she will only build on as she improves as a rapper.