Since the early '90s, when Black Moon first entered the scene with their now classic Enta Da Stage, Buckshot's Boot Camp Click,\ proved that they all could hold their own with full length releases. Then with the emergence of North Carolina's Little Brother (and their crew the Justus League), it was obvious that there would be comparisons. And it wasn't a surprise when 9th Wonder got to collaborate with Buckshot. Their second effort together is entitled The Formula.

9th Wonder composes some of his classic material from Jump with The Formula (Intro): the laidback backdrops are perfect for Buckshot's smooth, direct flow. The two seem to work together well, as they easily capture the energy that was once found on mid-nineties Duck Down albums.

Talib Kweli and singer Tyler Woods assist on the album's best song, Hold It Down. Kweli once again is in top form and quickly becoming my favorite MC as he steals the show with his verse. Other moments like Ready, One For You and Whassup With U are solid joints that will ensure a head nod or two.

Ultimately these guys aren't reinventing the wheel nor are they as stellar as a Pete Rock and CL Smooth connection. But they do have a connection that is at the very least an honest attempt to bring a dying sound of boom bap production with hard core lyrics back to the forefront. An improvement from their debut project together, Chemistry , The Formula is ultimately more focused and most importantly earnest.