Lack Of Communication (Edited)

Long known for its gritty rock and roll, Detroit has developed a rep for delivering some hot hip-hop in recent years. Say hello to the latest Motor City rapper to grab a hold of the charts, the good-natured Ric-A-Che (aka Rick Dennis), a guy who knows a thing or three about having a good time. Lack of Communication is Che's debut album, springboarding off the success of his single "Coo Coo Chee," and it's done some pretty decent charting of its own.

When you hear the sinister laughter and dire monologue of the "Intro," it's hard to know if Ric's being totally serious or doing a bit of a spoof. Whatever the case, it isn't a true indication of the tone of the rest of the album, which brings together a variety of moods and musical styles -- and, yes, a bit of gangsta rap -- but is by no means the kind of wholesale dark and gritty fare that often comes from the rap world.

For example, you get some tasty rock guitar and Grease-like brass and strings arrangements on "Gettin' Ugly," which bubbles along on a native American-style beat. In fact, guitar plays a fairly central role throughout the album. On "Belve" -- a speed rap cut -- it's all wah-wah, while on the outstanding "Hustla Til," it's an acoustic six-string that gives the number its mellow musicality. The latter is an inspiring account of Che's hard early life and his gratitude for his rap success. The rich timbre of his voice is at its best here.

"Coo Coo Chee" (featuring Darija) is an obvious highlight. Sweet R&B with a dash of rasta (and samples from the latter-day hit "Kukuchi"), it's an easy groove and quite a smile. For some tougher stuff, check out the beastly "Lil' Bro." Muscular and rumbling, it's like a Humvee on the loose. Then there's "Wartime," a don't-mess-with-me gangsta joint that shows off Che's lyrical flash ("I was raised in the 'hood of crooked dreams/ Crooked plots and crooked schemes").

Also making a splash is "Who Wanna Do Something," with its big bass-drum beat and xylophone effect, the head-nodder "Stomp'n," and the dramatic-n-symphonic "Jean-A-Cole" (featuring 7th Nation). With a few skits thrown in, it's a nice blend from start to finish.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ric-A-Che is no one-trick pony. His messages are multi-dimensional: struggle, deprivation, strength, humor, appreciation. His work is like an entertaining lesson in life delivered with style and class. Lack of communication? Not on this disc!

By Adrian Zupp