Art Official Intelligence

One of the most eagerly-awaited comebacks in recent years, it seems that, with Art Official Intelligence, the reformed hippies are anxious to reclaim their place at the vanguard of hip hop. In this case that means a whole raft of highly credible collaborations with the likes of Redman, Busta Rhymes, Mike D/Ad Rock, Freddie Foxxx and, em, Chaka Khan - in addition to some heavyweight production talent and more gunz, bitchez and hardcore motherfuckaz than you'd expect from the former Daisy-Age proponents. They couldn't fail - could they? Well, AOI will probably satisfy the money-men thanks to the big-hitters on board, but that doesn't mean it's anywhere near as extraordinary as it needs to be.

First up, it's all very well claiming block-rocking bragging rights, but if you don't have the mic skills to back it up, then it's probably wiser to just back up. Everyone here acquits themselves lyrically with no small confidence, but alongside true innovators like any of the Quannum crew or even Eminem, it all sounds a little stale.

The production lurches with unease from weak-ass R...B to uninteresting electro, steadfastly refusing to bring anything new to the block party. De La Soul have certainly moved on from their days as 3 feet-high stars, which is as it should be, but whereas they were once proud to be the innovators, now they're content to play the role of the bland imitators. A bitter disappointment.