Various Artists

August 15 - 22, 1 9 9 6 [Off the Record]

**1/2 Various Artists

AMERICA IS DYING SLOWLY

(Red Hot/EastWest)
After releasing seven successful AIDS benefit compilations that focus on genres from dance to indie rock to country, the Red Hot Organization has put out its first hip-hop album (note the acronym in the title). Many of the tracks do not mention AIDS at all -- but it's surprising how many do. Whereas past non-rap Red Hot projects were more about raising funds than about awareness, rap has a conversational quality that allows it to address the issues directly without sounding awkward or preachy. While making us dance and laugh, Domino tells us to "Sport That Raincoat." Biz Markie, Chubb Rock, and Prince Paul warn, "No Rubber, No Backstage Pass."
The messages sent are not always on the mark. There are bits of the usual conspiracy theories (c/o Mobb Deep); there's entirely too much finger pointing at the "nasty hoes" (Sadat X, Fat Joe, and Diamond D.) and "no-good hoes" (Spice 1, Celly Cel, and Ant Banks). But the compilation also finds sensitivity and subtlety in some unlikely places. Wu-Tang Clan's title track, for instance, limps along a simple two-chord piano loop that makes for some of the most melancholic hip-hop ever created. And adding to the various viewpoints here, Eightball and MJG offer "Listen to Me Now" with a rap that comes from the virus's perspective.
-- Roni Sarig