Pubdate: Tue, 30 Apr 2002 Source: New York Post (NY) Copyright: 2002 N.Y.P. Holdings, Inc. Contact: http://www.nypost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/296 Author: Dan Aquilante VARIOUS ARTISTS: "T.H.C. THE HIP-HOP COLLECTION VOL. 1" High Times Records What could be more apropos than High Time's record division releasing "T.H.C. The Hip-Hop Collection Vol. 1" as their debut offering. The reefer-friendly collection isn't a big-name disc. Yeah, there is a core of hip-hop's stoner elite - like Wu Tang's the Rza and rap clown princes the Pharcyde - but, for the most part, the record is subject-, not star-driven. And of course that stoned-cold theme is marijuana. P. Diddy and Jay-Z are MIA. Instead, hip-hop's alternative acts - such as Ripshot, Afu-Ra and Defari - are up front, aiming their rhyming skills at cannabis consumption. While burning blunts and firing up a bong remain illegal here, the artists are, for the most part, also unexpectedly poetic about the plant itself. The disc's narrow focus will thrill pot-smoking proponents, but even they will get tired of this collection after a few listens. But, if you have the cash, this is a pretty fair listen, with the roots-reggae tune "Sweet Dreams" by Intoxicated Demons and Pharcyde's "Sticky Green" among the top tunes. This is the anti just-say-no disc, made by adults for adults, so be fair to your shorties and play "T.H.C. The Hip-Hop Collection Vol. 1" after bedtime. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens