The Bay and L.A. join forces to form the collective Quannum, a group that comprises of Latyrx (Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker), Blackalicious (Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab) and DJ Shadow . Individually, these artists mentioned have all laid their mark with some potent 12″ releases, classic albums, by extensively touring the West and East coasts and of course, the world over. With this project, the invited guests hurt as well as help the album’s quality. On “Golden Rule,” the atrocious singing by Erin Anova on the chorus-hooks doesn’t even give Maroons a chance to exercise their rapping talent right. But on “People Like Me” produced by Lyrics Born and sang by Joyo Velarde, the Acid Jazz taste is just as classy and exquisite as the aroma scent from The Brand New Heavies or Incognito. Even though there’s a loyal effort to include other West Coast hip hoppers such as Souls of Mischief on “The Extravaganza “, and Jurassic 5 on “Concentration”, the impact of this CD is ironically felt through its alternative selections, “Hott People” and “I Changed My Mind” both by Lyrics Born. The old school style of the former track is funkier than plaid! Produced by DJ Shadow, this cut reflects images of graffiti-infested subway cars and crews back-spinning for money on 42nd street.