With 2005 shaping up to be a pretty lousy year in hip-hop, there is an opening for a few new artists to make names for themselves. When Babbletron dropped Mechanical Royalty two years ago, the release went virtually unheard because of the well known artists who released albums at around the same time. Damn shame, because that album was one not to be missed. So, with the group opting to release a solo release from Cool Calm Pete, one has to wonder how good of a move it is to release a practically unknown artist. A huge risk or a runaway smash debut? 

    Lost surprisingly is a release that is a glimmering pearl trapped beneath a sea of crappy releases. The fact that it effortlessly combines Pete’s charisma with marvelous production alone speaks in volumes. The title track, “Lost”, beautifully blends Pete’s mellow flow with a beat that feels like it should be the soundtrack to when one walks along the beach with their significant other. “Two A.M.” is probably the perfect meshing of Pete’s style, with a groovy sample juxtaposed with some poignant chops and head snapping drums. “The List” couples Pete’s calm shit talking with a breezy beat that morphs into a true headrocker that isn’t to be missed.

     Pete’s production isn’t the only high point of the album, as many of the guests contribute noteworthy spots to this well planned release. When Thirsten Howl III wreaks of his signature style amongst the Doc Strange funk concoction “F#$%@#$%ck Yooouuuu”, the album takes a turn into interesting, yet welcomed territory. Punctuated with Lathia Black delivering a soulful 70′s style chorus to the tune of “Fuck You” Pete “keeps them hoochies bouncing/grab them titties” with his cool ass flow. DJ Pre and Jaymanila join their Babbletron compadre’ on “New Jack Biddie” as Pre’s dirty boom bap production takes the album back to the Babbletron roots. Pre also delivers astonishing backdrops on the three movement dating joint aptly titled “Dinner and a Movie.” Not to be outdone, Snafu of Junk Science sandwiches smattering drum patterns and a wicked guitar sample amongst Pete’s straightforward stylings on the proficient “Cool Calm Science”.

     Although “Brush P.S.A.” is eerily reminiscent of People Under the Stairs super cheesy yet fun “Taste the Fruit” and Pete’s flow is at times eerily reminiscent of the effortlessly dope Slick Rick, Lost is an album that shines. Unfortunately, with the way mainstream hip-hop is shoved down our collective throats, this album won’t reach an audience that will appreciate it. Which is truly a tragedy considering how solid this album is from front to back. Though not a classic Lost is an album that trumps many of the releases this year and, if given a chance, could raise quite a few eyebrows in the industry.