***1/2 Belizbeha

CHARLIE'S DREAM

(Sojo Music)

Charlie's Dream celebrates the roots of contemporary hip-hop: soul, R&B, jazz, scat, funk. The opening "Only If" sets a joyous, mellow mood. Using a variety of whimsical references (Eddie Haskell, Sesame Street, Winnie the Pooh), C Kyle T raps the group's identity. "This is a phat song, this is a jazz song, this is a cool song, this is a sweet song," he sings. Underneath, a temperate snare beat and four-note horn riff keep the lyrics grounded.

Shauna Antoniuc takes over vocals on several tracks. At times soulful enough for any gospel choir (especially on "Stronger Than I Am"), she can hold her own with fast, funky hip-hop, and she shines on "K's Grooves," a DJ's delight that could mix well with De La Soul. Despite their eclectic stylings, Belizbeha seem comfortable with themselves. Charlie's Dream has a stabilizing continuity that keeps the album from becoming just another jam session; "Fattie" picks up the brass rhythms of "Only If"; "Yes U Can" shares lyrics with "Bow Diggy (Bow)." In short, Belizbeha are a tight-knit posse.

-- Jen Pieters

(Belizbeha play the Paradise this Friday, September 20. Call 562-8800.)

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