S.D.E.  (Audio CD) 
by Cam'ron

If you want street beats, clever rhymes, and top-notch guest appearances, then Cam'ron's sophomore effort, S.D.E. (the title stands for sports, drugs, and entertainment) is worth every cent you pay for it. It's a jambalaya of strings, keys, and heavy bass lines: Cam gives the listener an album strictly for the streets. Destiny's Child add background to Cam's autobiography on "Do It Again." A Jay-Z vocal sample cleverly adds to the gutter flavor of the title track, and ODB adds a late plea to free Mike Tyson on "Violence." Cam demonstrates true lyrical dexterity on cuts like "That's Me," and "My 'Hood," which borrows a hook from Edwin Starr's War. Even Mobb Deep's Prodigy adds a complementary hand on the eerie "Losin' Weight." Sure, a few tracks lag, but as a whole, S.D.E takes Cam'ron a few steps closer to musical greatness. --Kenji Jasper