It took a little doing to loosen the wallet a little to actually purchase a hip-hop CD, as I'm not really a big rap music fan. Still, I loved SWEET REVENGE so much, I had to have it, so I made the purchase. I'm glad I did.

While I still feel that female vocalist Ming Xhai adds more than any other single member to the group, with her sometimes Nicolette-like vocals, every member of the group brings something good to this CD. It's not your typical Rap CD by any measure, as social consciousness is the prime topic, as opposed to street violence, or simple profanity for profanity's sake. Certainly a thinking person's RAP album.

While the whole CD is good for the listening, the earlier sequences seem to be (on the whole) more richly arranged. As my first exposure to Spooks was on Ming's vocal talents, I tend to be partial towards the tracks that highlight her vocal talents, such as Mission and Things I've Seen, and of course, the allruing yet decidedly vicious vocals of SWEET REVENGE. For a sample of this song, you will probably have to look up the DISAPPEARING ACTS soundtrack, the listing of which includes a sample.

If you want a fresh look on hip-hop, look no further, as this CD can prove what Hip-Hop does not have to be about, without compromising the form.

It's Different, I Love it!
I bought this cd on a complete whim. I was pleasently surprised when I popped it in the player. The beats are interesting, jazzy, and dark. Absolutely not mainstream [stuff] on this one. The lyrics are dark and the flow is quite good. Not the best lyrics I've ever heard but the singing by Ming will just captivate you. She is like a ... siren!!![.] Her voice is luring as it pinches your nerves strait through to your soul. The cd is worth the purchase merely for her great vocals. But get it because you love progressive hip hop, get it because you want to support the quality and originality of groups that put out music for the love. Things I've Seen, They Don't Know, Sweet Revenge, Karma Hotel, Swindley's Maracas and the rest are all good songs, good music indeed. Dont Sleep! Peace

SIOSOS
I love this cd, I listened to it forever. It's not mainstream hip-hop, very original. I loved tracks 3 & 12.

Something Fresh
I first heard spooks in the car with a friend and was instantly blown away. I have been a fan of hip hop for awhile, but have become extremely jaded with the entire genre. Spooks were exactly what I needed. While Ming Xia is definitely the star, it should be said that she is a stallion among thoroughbreds, to give the rest of her group credit. Spooks lyrics are outstanding ranging from political rap to not selling out in swindleys maracas. If you haven't heard spooks, you need to fast. Just make sure all the ... don't start listening cause they might actually like spooks and make them mainstream.

great in every respect
I don't know what everone else on this list is talking about. Ming Xia is great, but MCs are amazing. They are probably the most different and enjoyable thing I have seen in hip hop (along with Aesop Rock). They are a great mixture of comedy and posturing. Buy this album.