***1/2 Jungle Brothers

RAW DELUXE

(V2/Gee Street)

The Jungle Brothers have been around since the modern hip-hop era began almost 10 years ago, but they have all too often suffered (in terms of sales and recognition) for being too intelligent for their own good. And with only four albums under their belt in nine years, prolific they ain't. But great art takes time, and that's what the group have consistently provided for the discerning listener.

Rappers Afrika Baby Bam and Mike G (joined by crew member Sammy B) pull out a little of everything from their bag of tricks here: the contemplative, mellow madness of "Jungle Brother," the party-rocking "Toe to Toe," the jazzy "Where You Wanna Go" (one of the great rap love songs), and the raw, hard-hitting "How Ya Want It We Got It (Native Tongues Remix)," featuring De La Soul and Q-Tip. It all adds up to the triumphant return of one of hip-hop's most unjustly underrated groups.

-- Brian Coleman