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Big Shug has been around awhile. He’s a core member of The Gang Starr Foundation, appearing on such tracks as 1994’s “F.A.L.A.,” and 2003’s “Capture (Militia Pt. 3).” STREET CHAMP is the follow up to Big Shug’s 2005 “WHO’S HARD,” and while STREET CHAMP doesn’t necessarily break any new ground, Big Shug provides enough changeups to keep things not only interesting but also, at times, compelling, resulting in an underground disc that is easily one of the ten best releases of this year.

What is impressive here is Big Shug’s ability to keep things rolling, eschewing tired formulas while utilizing minimalist beats and samples. “Hood With It” is a classic anthemic track, followed immediately by “Play It,” a languid joint that rides nicely on an r & b tip; it makes for an interesting contrast with the in-your-face “Spit It Real,” “It Just Don’t Stop” and the all too short, confrontational “Call Me Back.” “Hear Me” is a strong message to djs with tight play lists (to which Big Shug’s underground joints are a reaction). “Exposed” is perhaps the standout track (though STREET CHAMP doesn‘t really have a dud on it), with a menacing riff underneath a rap to match.

Big Shug utilizes the rap practice of bringing in a number of guests --- Termanology, Sean Price, Li’l’ Fame, and DJ Premier, among others --- but never for one moment gets lost in the mix on his own disc. One reason for this is that Big Shug uses only one producer on STREETCHAMP, that being MoSS, who, unlike any number of his contemporaries, uses his time behind the board to bring out the best of the artist being recorded, as opposed to trying to put his fingerprints all over the project.

Big Shug has some great raps as well --- it will take you a number of times through STREETCHAMP to catch them all --- dissing everyone from Nagin the Mayor to Howard The Duck. If you thought that rap was dead, think again. Step back for Big Shug and STREETCHAMP, the defibrillator.