The Diplomats - Diplomatic Immunity 2 (CD)

All Music Guide

Since their sprawling debut, Cam'ron has worked his Diplomats crew hard through numerous mixtapes, both as a unit and solo ones for Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and JR Writer. Maybe that's why Diplomatic Immunity 2 is so much tighter than the first edition, but dropping the twodisc format in favor of just one helps more than a little. Adding to it is the crew's move from Rocafella to Koch feltout by Jim Jones' signing to the label since Koch seems to very handsoff, leaving the Diplos and leader Cam'ron with plenty of freedom. Cam'ron gives the opening "StopNGo" a full six minutes to really flow, a proclamation that this is an album that won't be tamed. Juelz Santana is evolving into a thrilling MC that's more an exciting host than a lyrically gifted one. He's fine playing this role on his boastful "S.A.N.T.A.N.A." and supported by lively, inspired production something that graces the whole album. It's raw, with a meterpeaking mixtape feel and plenty of crafty samples. Producer Stay Get...tin' lays a hectic tornado of drums on "Get Use to This" while an Exorciststyled piano kicks 40 Cal's already infectious theme song to a new level. Copping Tears for Fears for "So Free" is thrilling and kicksoff the album's exciting fourth quarter. The busy interpolation of "Push It" gives lyric lovers plenty to scribble down and the closing "Crunk Music" should have every hiphop head yearning for more not something you could say about the first Diplomatic Immunity. Lightyears ahead of its predecessor, Diplomatic Immunity 2 justifies Cam'ron's crew while giving his fans a proper, Jeepworthy mixtape. - David Jeffries , All Music Guide Read more Less