You won’t find too many producers more diverse than Hi-Tek. From teaming up with Talib Kweli to putting in work alongside Dr. Dre, he’s accomplished quite a bit and been involved with the work of artists from coast to coast.

He’s also found time to release a few projects of his own, the latest of which is Hi-Teknology 3. Like the first two entries in the series, it’s a compilation album that enlists the help of numerous familiar rappers. Case in point, lead-off single “My Piano” (which is actually driven by a guitar loop) featuring Ghostface, Raekwon and Dion, a tight track that explains exactly what motivates the man behind the music. Hi-Tek even gets on the mic to spit the first verse, something he doesn’t do too often this time out.

Unlike his previous albums, Hi-Tek also wanted to feature more unsigned and up-and-coming vocalists on this one, so there’s a good chance you’ll hear other voices you won’t recognize. That doesn’t mean they won’t catch your ear, as the posse cut “Ohio All Stars” represents Tek’s home state by showing off the diverse flows of Cross, Showtime, Mann and Chip the Rippa. Other outings with lesser known lyricists aren’t as strong, like the tedious “Handling My Bizness,” and a couple of these songs in the middle of the album do make it drag.

Fortunately, business picks back up again before the end, with a remix of Little Brother’s “Step Ya Game Up” that improves upon the original beat and shows off a dope new verse by Phonte. Hi-Tek also reunites with Talib Kweli for “Time,” which will undoubtedly have fans wishing for the duo to put out another full-length release.

It should be noted that the album isn’t pure hip hop from beginning to end, so if R&B isn’t your thing, you may have to skip songs like “Life to Me” and “Know Me,” which are 100 percent devoid of any rapping. Just make sure you don’t overlook “Come Get It (Tekstrumentals),” an instrumental display of the producer doing what he does best.

And it is, of course, Tek’s work behind the boards that make the whole thing extremely easy on the ears, even during the times you’re not feeling the lyrics. One nice quality is that he doesn’t have a particular signature sound, proving to be adept at making good beats with different tempos and a variety of instruments and sounds as the foundations.

That’s definitely something to be admired, and even though the wide range of material and the reliance on some unfamiliar vocalists means not every track will appeal to every listener, the flip side is that there’s at least one for everyone. Hi-Tek is definitely on top of his game right now, and Hi-Teknology 3 is the proof. – Nick Tylwalk