REVIEWSOzomatli, ‘Don't Mess With the Dragon’

6

• SPIN Rating:6 of 10

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Label: Concord

No doubt inspired by the massive success of the Black Eyed Peas (their former peers in Los Angeles' '90s anti-gangsta rap underground), these proudly multicultural groove merchants downplay the hip-hop boom-bap on their fourth studio disc, in favor of busy pop jams that mirror the overstimulation of 21st-century city life. And though they're much beloved by brainy activist types, Ozomatli are no highbrows: "After Party" cribs the vocal melody from Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear It for the Boy."

Now Hear This: Ozomatli - "Can't Stop" DOWNLOAD MP3

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