Technically,
Philly's Most Wanted is comprised of rappers
Mr. Man and Boo-Bonic, but the real star of the show are
the Neptunes, the hot production team that has worked with everyone from
Jay-Z to
Mystikal to
Britney Spears. Their trademark sound is felt throughout
Get Down or Lay Down, and the slick style works best on their single "Cross the Border," which mixes slick rhythms with a splash of Latin guitar and horns. Although this is far from their best work,
the Neptunes provide enough danceable hip-hop to get the job done. The same can't be said about
Mr. Man and Boo-Bonic, who fail to bring anything to the table. Their rhymes are utterly pedestrian, rhyming about the usual thug scenarios without a hint of originality. The duo better hope that
the Neptunes are willing to work with them again, because, without their musical wizardry,
Philly's Most Wanted may never be heard from again. ~ Jon Azpiri