Jurassic 5 's new 'Feedback' their best yet

Since their debut in 2000, Jurassic 5 has always made hip-hop that's groovy and gangsta-free. The fivesome's third album, "Feedback," is their best yet, celebrating classic '70s sounds, '80s West Coast rap and music's overall feel-good factor. Charlie 2na, Zaakir, Akil, Mark 7 and newcomer Nu Mark (who replaces longtime DJ Cut Chemist, who left in 2004) even mix it up with Latin rhythms, rocker Dave Matthews and super-producer Scott Storch.

The guys rhyme about discovering hip-hop in the '80s in "Radio," which sounds like a classic jam from that era. "In the House" samples from the L.A. Dream Team, an early Los Angeles hip-hop act. The '70s show up in "Gotta Understand," with a hook reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield, and "Turn it Out," which channels Parliament.

Matthews adds melody to "Work it Out," the kind of upbeat anthem that inspires spontaneous swaying. Storch works his magic on "Brown Girl," a sexy jam featuring reggae duo Brick & Lace.

The rappers speak their minds most on "End Up Like This," which looks at the ill effects of abundant violence, and "Where We At," which upholds the value of smart rhymes and questions the popularity of gangsta rap.

Akil sings, "I refuse to bust gats and water down my raps."

Jurassic 5, "Feedback" (Interscope)

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