7 / 10
With pulsating hardcore beats, uncompromising lyrics and a verbal onslaught that will remind anorak-wearing hip-hop headz of early Kings Of Pressure tracks like 'You Know How To Reach Us', the 'first family' of Brooklyn' - MOP - remain one of underground hip-hop's foremost protagonists.
MOP can definitely still be commended for avoiding the modern-day curse of most NY rap acts that sell out to mass appeal as one of the few groups staying true to an original New York style of hip-hop, as illustrated by their choice of producers on 'Warriorz', among them DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Buckwild, DJ Scratch and DJ Rockwilder.
MOP show New York's hip-hop talent at its finest - 'Warriorz' is a Who's Who of New York hip-hop with more than an average number of stand-out tracks, including the excellent 'Follow Instructions', which uses the intro to Hendrix's 'Long Hot Summer Night' as a musical canvas. And MOP's satirical and often intelligent lyrics blend incredibly with the music - this has also stepped up MOP's popularity at clubs, with tunes like 'Ante Up' and the infectious 'Cold As Ice' becoming this year's dancefloor musts.
On their fourth full-length album, MOP fans and hardcore headz will not be disappointed, as they remain pantheons of consistency - but this is unlikely to win them a wider fanbase.
Derek A Bardowell
10
NEW! For the latest music videos and backstage interviews, check out our brand new sister site, NME Video.
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page