With their third album,
Troubleshooters,
Funkdoobiest broke away from the stoned, rolling Muggs beat that characterized their first two records. With the assistence of several production teams -- including
Da Beatminerz, Ski and Rectangle -- the duo has developed a stylish fusion of contemporary urban soul, G-funk and Latin rhythms. Occasionally, the collision of cultures feels a little forced -- with its
Squirrel Nut Zippers sample, the single "Papi Chulo" (Spanish for "Big Papa"), sounds a little awkward, even though it works -- but on the whole, the record is a solid leap forward for a duo that once seemed lost in the shadow of
Cypress Hill. ~ Leo Stanley