The LOX's highly publicized and drawn-out defection from
Puffy's Bad Boy Records to
DMX's Ruff Ryder camp was imperative. Not only because
Puffy's glossy sound openly clashed with the group's thug mentality, but the change of scenery also furnished
Jadakiss, Sheek, and
Styles with an opportunity to assert their own identity. While the LOX as a unit do not offer much in terms of topical dexterity,
Jadakiss is one the industry's most underappreciated lyricists, which he clearly reiterates on his solo cut "Blood Pressure." Ruff Ryders in-house producer
Swizz Beatz handles most of the production duties, and although his syncopated production can become repetitious,
DJ Premier ("Recognize") and
Timbaland ("Ryde or Die Bitch," featuring
Eve and
Drag-On) provide some much-needed diversity with their signature sounds. The rowdy lead single, "Wild Out," is an obvious reworking of
Jay-Z's "Jigga My Nigga," but it was a hit on rap radio. [The clean version edits moments of profanity and cuts the particularly profane tracks from the album.] ~ Matt Conaway