While most old-school compilations retread the same ground, ego trip's The Big Playback airs an aural history of out-of-print vinyl classics. Billed as the soundtrack and audio companion to the publication "ego trip's Book of Rap Lists," the collection presents 12 exceptional tracks that represent mid-'80s hip-hop.

The rap style on Divine Force's "Holy War (Live)" recalls KRS-One's flow on Boogie Down Productions' 1987 Criminal Minded. And those who have been feeling Ghostface Killah's new album, Supreme Clientele, will recognize a verse first performed by Divine Force.

"My Mic is on Fire" (RealAudio excerpt), by Lord Shafiyq, features simple but influential production. Identifiably representative of trends to come, the bridge bears an uncanny resemblance to DJ Premier's style on Gang Starr's Hard to Earn (1995).

Marley Marl and MC Shan are old-school staples, and "Marley Marl Scratch" (RealAudio excerpt) further demonstrates why, with a classic MC shout-out to the DJ.

A perfect song to close the album, "Beat Bop" (RealAudio excerpt), credited to Rammelzee vs. K-Rob, features funk guitar and bass, congas, an almost Egyptian undertone and entrancing vocal echo effects. The 10-minute opus is like an everlasting freestyle that's put over the top by Rammelzee's infectious nasal delivery.

Other notable performers on the album include Grandmaster Caz, Positive K and Latee.

The best-known of old-school tracks have justifiably earned their place on listener play lists, and with luck, ego trip's The Big Playback will help do the same for 12 more.