A veteran of NYC clubs and a favorite of underground mix-tape traders, Reynos has come full circle and put out his debut album, Stand Up. Long known for his feel-good party tracks, which are represented here, he's also bringing a new vibe out by hitting the harder side of hip-hop. Although he raps about bling-bling and other hip-hop clichés, it's sincere and from the street-perspective. His songs are less about "bitches and gats" than they are about what he's seen and experienced growing up in Washington Heights. He's already gotten significant radio play in the NYC area, with the lead-off single, "Tato OK," a Dominican-flavored party anthem, and is getting tons of attention on the club circuit with the Elephant Man dancehall remix of the same song (which will be included on the final album).

While rapping harder about subjects that he knows like the dangers of the violent street culture of the projects in "Undastand Why" and the hip-hop remake of the traditional Spanish tune, "Tabaco Y Ron," he doesn't forget his freestyle roots and bangs it out on tracks like "I Do Dis" and "Bounce." Catchy choruses are the idea throughout the album and his smooth voice fits the style perfectly. While it doesn't break any new ground, Stand Up is a solid first studio offering by a club veteran. In an era of hip-hop where who you are associated with or who produces your album detirmines sales, Reynos is hitting back with quality. This album is loaded with great rhymes and hard-hitting beats mixed up with some Dominican and Latin sounds just for flavor.

Reynos is a heavyweight-to-be in the rap world, so be sure to check out his debut. Unfortunately, the release info is a bit vague (having an original date of July 2004 and then Summer 2004, then October 2004) and the online retailers don't have any info yet. Hopefully, more info on CD availablity will be forthcoming at ReynosMusic.com.

Rating: 9 of 10