La Coka Nostra — A Brand You Can Trust

The trend of former metalheads becoming reformed hip-hop heads is not completely inconceivable when comparing the similarities of the two genres. It's the result of which that can sometimes be questionable.

This long-promoted "supergroup" — comprised of House Of Pain's Everlast, Danny Boy and DJ Lethal along with Ill Bill, Slaine of Boston's Special Teamz, and newcomer Big Left — is not only one of the whitest rap crews of all time, but their history in the hardcore and metal scenes is evident.

Opening the album with the rock-inspired banger "Bloody Sunday", the respective MCs make frequent references to the likes of Black Sabbath, Satan and drugs, as listeners are taken on a journey that at many times makes Eminem's latest offering seem like a Raffi LP.

Drug anthems "Nuclear Medicinemen" and "That's Coke" display narcotic-influenced artistry, while tracks such as "I'm An American" offer an honest social-political outlook from the minds of seemingly warped individuals. Slower tracks like "The Stain" attempt to draw emotion into a very angry album with choruses sung by Everlast, though it's the more upbeat joints such as "Brujeria" that tend to remain most memorable.

Lethal's production is dark, as A Brand You Can Trust maintains a haunting overtone reminiscent of III: Temples Of Boom-era Cypress Hill. Appearances by Snoop Dogg and Bun B may raise mainstream interest from those less familiar with the individual members involved (if you haven't heard Slaine before, you're in for a treat), while the inclusion of more underground MCs Immortal Technique and Sick Jacken is slightly more expected.

If you can overlook the delinquent horrorcore imagery and more-disturbed-than-you shock value the crew has gained its notoriety for, a group of talented MCs shine through.

With a total of 15 tracks, the album can be tolling on those who recognize that much if it shouldn't be taken seriously. Like any good drug, A Brand You Can Trust can be good fun in small doses.

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