After Brand Nubian's breakup following their classic debut album "One for All," the obvious star of the group Grand Puba decided to go in a very different direction as a solo artist and released his debut "Reel to Reel." In sharp contrast to "One for All," which was a very socially relevant record, "Reel to Reel" is a light and entertaining record that's all about Puba having fun on the mic. One could even call it a party album, it is consistently happy and upbeat. If I were to compare his style on this album to any MC, I might say Slick Rick to give you an idea this album. Lyrically, he uses a lot of funny punchlines and metaphors that will actually make you laugh, and he uses battle-style raps a lot of the time. The rest of the time he has a very laidback style, except for the handful of tracks where he does kick knowledge in the socially conscious side. He has a great flow and sometimes shows a little bit of reggae influence in his raps too. Puba is a really great MC, and he is backed here by the DJ and producer from "One for All," DJ Alamo. Alamo is awesome on the mixing boards, and his tracks combine great sampling with good bass and heavy horn instrumentation to make a funky, jazzy style that was on the top of early 90s underground. "Reel to Reel" is pretty unknown compared to a lot of the other fairly similar works of the early 90s east coast hip hop, but it's a well executed entertaining album that combines great beats with a truly special MC. "Check tha Resume" has boastful, braggadagio rhymes over a standard Alamo beat, it's a good start to the album. The single "360 Degrees (What Goes Around)" is a standout, with a really nice beat that has a funky bassline, it's Puba at his lyrical best. "That's How We Move It," is upbeat and happy sounding, just a head-nodding party kind of track. "Check It Out" uses a soulful vocal sample for a good production and Puba just entertains on this one. I think my favorite song is "Big Kids Don't Play," it has a really awesome beat with a slowed down drum-and-bass line and a droopy instrumental, Puba kicks humorous philosophy and sounds a little conversational. "Honey Don't Front" continues the list of great tracks in the beginning, Puba talks to a woman in a funny manner over a good beat. "Lickshot," "Ya Know How It Goes," and the title track are full of punchlines and dense funky beats. "Soul Controller" is the first track where he shows his social consciousness, he confronts politics and social matters in a lighter manner than Brand Nubian did. "Proper Education" continues the relevance, and it has a lot of pro-black lines that will make you think over a reggae-styled track, I really like this song. "Back It Up" is another strictly fun track with a good piano-laced beat, and Puba sings cleverly on "Baby What's Your Name?" The album ends with a nice "360 Degrees" remix and "Who Makes the Loot," an ultra-funky collaboration with The Brand New Heavies. While I wouldn't call it a classic, "Reel to Reel" is a really great album that showcases awesome beats and an supremely talented rapper. This is one of Grand Puba's greatest musical triumphs and a joy to listen to, he always entertains with this album. Brand Nubian fans looking for more of "One for All" won't find it here, but fans of jazzy, fun early 90s New York rap will enjoy this album a ton. They really don't make rap albums like this anymore. I highly recommend it, this album never received its due attention and is a perfect piece for any hip hop collection.