Canibus – Can-I-Bus

If anyone's wondering, this pressing sounds great. Nice 2 disc's.

The name Canibus is still one of the best monikers in hip-hop/rap.
The song "2nd Round Knockout" is still one of the hardest diss records in hip-hop/rap history.

In the late 90's, hip-hop heads had heard from Canibus in numerous features on other rappers' projects, from Common to The Firm, to the DJ Clue album. Who was this gruff voiced battle rapper who shined on tracks and put the average emcee to shame? His debut became one of the most anticipated rap albums of 1998.
On "Can-I-Bus", the buyer gets just what they paid for from the lyrical genius. He delivers punchline after punchline, ie. 'I roll up on your crew quicker than long sleeves, at a 'Speed' that would confuse Keanu Reeves' ("How We Roll")
Canibus shows some versatility, as he dedicates a song to his mother on "I Honor U" featuring Jenny Fujita, but in a way that's original and true to who he is as a rapper. He also raps about a number conspiracy theories on "Channel Zero".

A majority of the album is produced by Jerry Wonder (The Fugees' in-house producer) with Wyclef Jean. DJ Clark Kent, who produced for Jay-Z and the Notorious B.I.G., contributes two tracks, and Salaam Remi, who has (over the years) worked extensively with Nas, produces one track on the album.
On hindsight, the beats are entertaining and keep the listener interested. At 13 tracks and a total running time of just over 48 minutes, the album is on the short side.
I'd like to have seen Canibus expand his subject matter to include storytelling in his songs.

When it comes to lyrics and delivery, this album is underrated. Most underground heads, certainly recognize.

But beatwise it's just shameful.

I have this one for years now and always struggled to listen the whole album. Never heard Rip Rock in it's entirety and Buckingham Palace, too, 'cause of the shitty beats. I'd rather go to OHHLA and read the lyrics.