The Beat Junkies and Dilated Peoples helped dispel the notion that West Coast hip-hop is nothing but lowriders, blunts, and bitches.  The common denominator between both is the well-respected DJ and producer DJ Babu.  Following his critically acclaimed 2002 compilation, Duck Season Vol. 1; he uses the same format, same caliber of artists, and yields the same delectable outcome with Duck Season Vol. 2.

    Babu’s Dilated cohorts assist him on the intense “Ends To Means”.  Questionable decision-making involving an aspiring MC, a stripper paying for medical school, and a drug dealer are presented over a soulful vocal sample intertwined with high piano notes and soft horns.  Chace Infinite gives more intellectual nourishment with “Do For Self”, encouraging people to eschew the “getting on through my mans and them” mentality so pervasive in hip-hop today.

     Babu also gives light to previously released material like Gang Starr’s dope “Deadly Habitz” and Defari and Dilated Peoples’ “Behold My Life (Remix)”.  The latter is easily one of the best Babu beats of recent memory.  Although Duck Season Vol. 2 runs long at 20 tracks, it’s easy to overlook considering the rarity of good hip-hop.  Babu can add another successful accomplishment to his impressive musical resume.