Various Artists
Rev Run Presents
Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh
If you're expecting groundbreaking rap music from Rev Run (from Run-D.M.C.) or Rev Run, as he now calls himself, then this sampler of three groups from his newly started label will be a bit of a disappointment. Run-D.M.C., an old school pioneer from the 80s, represented the cream of the rap music crop in its heyday; intuition tells one that Rev Run should have a better eye for talent than shown here. In fact, Soul Tempo isn't even rap, but an a cappella group; though they sing well, this music demands great singing to make a real impact. Sorry, but this ain't great. Sin Assassins is a group that Rev Run himself calls "street." While they may well be from the streets, by today's hard-core standards, they're closer to Straight Outa Nashville than they are to Straight Out Compton, and actually come off more as little more than choir boys. The third act, Zoe Brothers, mixes rap with some real singing, but do neither one of these convincingly enough to be taken seriously. Like all the other offerings here, the music is soft, the rhythms are lame, and lasting impression is written in invisible ink. Sadly, none of these performers are worthy to unlace Run's Adidas. It's (just) like that, and that's the way it is.