Recognized as the rotten apples most prominent mixtape slinger, DJ Clue’s second major-label compilation, Backstage, is another installment of exclusive material that promotes the impending theatrical release of Jay-Z’s Hard Knock Life tour.

Though classifying Clue as a “DJ” is certainly a stretch (check out Revolution, DJ Babu, and X-ecutioners among many for confirmation). He is undeniably a keen entrepreneur, as his star-powered projects are habitually saturated with the biggest names in hip-hop. While Jigga, and Damon Dash’s brainchild provided hope that hip-hop’s floundering major-arena tour marketability could be resurrected, Clue’s accompanying score fails too make the same impact. Like most compilations, or soundtracks, Backstage contains a slew of filler material, Fabolous’ “Gotta Be A Thug”, and Da Ranjahz’s “Hate Music” feat. Ja Rule, the predictable southern influenced reach “Road Dawgs” feat Amil, Eve, Da Brat and Jay-Z, and a fair amount of crooning from Jigga’s R&B stable.

While cuts like the Prodigy of Mobb Deep’s “Keep It Thoro”, and The Lox’ “Who Did You Expect” offer little of the unexpected, there are a few surprises. Capone-N-Noreaga enlist the aid of former Roots collaborator Scott Storch for “Don’t Want Beef”, as Storch’s jagged keyboard stabs put an interesting spin on an otherwise mediocre CNN reunion track. The old (Redman), and new (Lady Luck) school of New Jeruz combine forces on the delectably rugged “Come And Get It”. While Luck makes an impressive splash, Redman comes with the next shit—”your mom’s think that I’m a helluva guy/pussy/you don’t get it like American Pie.” Also, even though Outkast’s recently-released “Bombs Over Baghdad” shed some light on what too expect with their forthcoming LP Stankonia, they push the envelope of their ever-evolving sound progression too the next degree here with “Funkanella” feat. Slimm Cutta Calhoun and Killer Mike.

But as the crews headlining emcees prove, Backstage is ultimately the Roc’s show. Beanie Sigel intertwines his raw street-aesthetics, with the dance-friendly grooves of Timbaland  on “In The Club”. While the forgotten member of the Roc, Memphis Bleek, strikes back at his critics with “My Mind Right”, which slights a former Illmatic lyricist—”your lifestyles written/so who you supposed to be/play your position”. Although his star-pupils rise to the occasion, Jay-Z’s contributions keep the spotlight directly centered on him. Though the oft-used “Make The Music” interpolation is so Tone And Poke, Jayhovah’s sexually suggestive verses make Mya an afterthought on “Best Of Me Part 2″. But the true burner here is a lost cut from Jigga’s Vol.2 studio sessions, “People’s Court”, as Jay continues to push all the right sampling buttons, this time by devouring Judge Wapner’s theme music—”fuck the judge/fuck the jury when you warring with me/its people’s court/we hold court in the street.”

Though Backstage does not contain enough bangers too be granted full VIP treatment, it will strike an immediate chord with the tunnel heads who just want too wild out for the night.