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The Heatmakerz are a New York City production team who could have just as easily called themselves “The Hitmakerz,” having produced tracks on gold and platinum selling CDs for such rappers as Lil Wayne, Cam’ron, and The Diplomat, as well as hits for Ludacris and Twista, among many others. THE RUSH is a collection of their latest work for an assembly of artists who aren't nationally known as yet, or at least well known, though each track exhibits at least some potential for future notoriety.

The Heatmakerz continue their tried-and-true formula on THE RUSH, combining samples from both well-known and obscure soul cuts with heavy drum beats to propel things along. Drox, Money Harm, and the charmingly monikered Rsonist make the most frequent appearances on the fourteen tracks THE RUSH, and indeed, Rsonist is featured on some of THE RUSH’s strongest joints, including “Back 2 Business,” which combines vivid imagery (supplied with Peedi Craak and Ja Millz) over a phat organ sample, and “Tonight” (with Money Harm and Ax) which arguably has the most commercial potential. “Far Gone” (with Jim Jones and, once again Rsonist) is a strong contender as well, with rapid fire spitting over a drum beat and a vocal sample, demonstrating that The Heatmakerz realize that simplicity often works as well as the complex when handling production duties.

The Rush is full of phat joints, some of which will undoubtedly be radio and or club hits in the months to come, and others which will be garner underground fame. Overall, a worthwhile collection with something for everyone. Recommended.