Canibus burns with animus

Sometimes, a rap feud can taint a rapper's entire career. For Canibus (Can-I-Bus, sometimes shortened to just Bis), this is definitely the case. Ever since Bis's infamous feud with LL Cool J, ignited by his verse on the latter's "4, 3, 2, 1," the former has largely been panned by critics and listeners as a wannabe. At the same time, he has built a solid, loyal fan base of hip-hop heads who swear he is one of the best rap lyricists alive.

Canibus, born Germaine Williams in Kingston, Jamaica, began his rap career in the mid-'90s as an underground battle rapper in a group called T.H.E.M. After participating in a freestyle cipher with the Wu-Tang Clan, the budding rapper gained respect and went solo in 1996.

He released his debut album, "Can-I-Bus," in 1998 after the fame-bringing feud with LL. Although the record went gold, it was written off by critics and fans. A bitter Canibus would attribute the album's criticism to lackluster production by Wyclef Jean (sparking a feud with Jean in the process).

Canibus's subsequent albums would be met with a similarly lukewarm response, until 2003's "Rip the Jacker" was released to rave reviews, though sales continued to be underwhelming. He joined the military prior to its release, only to be discharged for smoking marijuana in 2004.

His next two albums were again met with mediocre reviews and sales. In 2007, the rapper released "For Whom the Beat Tolls" to praise and good sales, setting the stage for a new album, which he began recording in 2009.

On Feb. 2, 2010, Canibus released "Melatonin Magik" in hopes of changing hip-hop's state of affairs.

"Melatonin" begins with a short instrumental introduction before it takes off on the titular second track, where the blaring horns usher in images of military marches.

Bis explodes in super-lyrical fury: "Give me the mic/I'll call in an airstrike." The overpowering pianos of "Kriminal Kindness" allow the rapper to break down his superiority while simultaneously ripping corporate-run music apart, taking shots at MC's who let it slide.

The military feeling is kept up in the slamming "Hip-Hop Black Ops" and "The Dragon of Judah." The latter track is a real standout with its horns and Eastern-tinged strings providing a backdrop for a furious Bis to attack everything, including the rarely addressed issue of factory farming: "This not natural God damn you/everybody on the planet don't deserve that/not even the animals."

The political attacks continue in "Post Traumatic Warlab Stress," a heavy and focused track: "We live in a free country/that phrase is so f**king funny/we know freedom is based off the money."

On the next track, "Air Strike (Pop Killer)," Canibus is joined by D12 and DZK in lyrically attacking Eminem and others with absolute venom. Orchestral strings, pianos and pounding drums on "Dead By Design" complement Bis as he picks apart the US government like a vulture.

Similarly, on "Only Slaves D.R.E.A.M." strings and piano fuse with Canibus and his visions of the future: "What happens when the money system crash/and there's no more value in the cash?"

A more subdued Bis is backed by female MC Goddess Psalm One on "Ripperland," spitting one great verse after another over plucked strings and Middle Eastern singing. Revving up again, "Stomp On Ya Brain" is a bumping energetic track, and Bis rises to the occasion: "Mr. Motherf**king Know-It-All/bet you ten gold granola bars/I'm smarter than those fifth graders are."

Switching up the mood of the album, "Do It Live!" features sirens and chilling strings calling out from the underneath echoing drums. Bis continues to rip it up: "Qualitative analysis/is not enough to quantify Canibus/but do it live if you think you can handle this."

The relaxed, dusty drums, harp-like guitars and flutes of "Gold & Bronze Magik" provide a calming close to the album, with Bis and guest MC's all performing incredibly well. A cool-sung chorus also adds to the magic.

"Melatonin Magik" is Canibus' hip-hop wake-up call. Filled to the brim with strong, vicious criticisms of everything from the government to whack rappers, the album is a slap in the face to laziness in hip-hop music.

Lyrically, Bis more than proves his worth; I'm starting to believe his devotees when they call him one of the best.

What's more is that the musical side of the album is just as satisfying with energetic and interesting production. "Melatonin Magik" is captivating from start to finish, a true example of modern hip-hop wizardry.

Wyatt Erchak is a sophomore and history major from upstate New York who knows the stakes are high.