Well, Paul's at it again. The artist formerly known as Chest Rockwell put out an album featuring many big name hip-hop artists entitled "Politics of the Business," which has been receiving mixed reviews since it first started being downloaded off of leaked copies put up on the internet several months ago.

Prince Paul, a long time veteran in the hip-hop scene, has previously handled production for such classics as De La Soul, 3rd Bass, and Gravediggas in the past. On top of his collaborations with established artists, he has also produced a few concept albums of his own, most notably Prince Among Thieves, and Handsome Boy Modeling School (co-produced by Dan the Automator). Paul is most notable for his tendencies to stay off the beaten path. If Kool Kieth can say, "He just thrives to be different" that's usually a good indication of some innovative sounds.

It's that innovation, as a matter of fact, that's been causing most of the divergent opinions of his most recent contribution. On strictly listening to the album, it appears that Paul has given up his musical rebellion and surrendered to the flow. The beats are a bit "jiggy" for Paul, R & B singers abound on the hooks, and verses tend to be more based on image. However, the "joke" behind this change, as hinted to in skits "The Drive By", "A Life In The Day", and "Politics of the Business", is one that Paul hopes is not lost on his fans.

All in all, the change in style is actually well executed. Though he's obviously practicing outside his expertise with these beats, they still come out sounding good. The guitar on "So What" (featuring Masta Ace and Kokane), the xylophone on "Chryme Pays" (featuring Tash, the Beatunuts, and Tony Touch), and the piano on "Controversial Headlines Pt1" (featuring Horror City) all are well executed and complementary, even in their jestful use as cliché mainstream devices. Similarly, the juxtaposition of the hackneyed lyrics being spitted by emcees that are obviously out of their realm as well can't help but make some conscious fans crack a smile.

Fans of Prince Paul may generally feel out of place on first listen of this album, but as usual, the long-standing producer manages to deliver some quality material with a sense of humor on this long awaited album.

For more musings on Mars' Life and what he thinks of what he sees, visit Mars Life