DJ Dirty Harry - Unforgiven

The big question in the classic film Dirty Harry was, Why do they call Inspector Callahan "Dirty Harry?" One reason was because the chief always gave him the dirty jobs. If that's the case, then hip-hop's Dirty Harry also has one of the dirty jobs - being one of the last real DJ's in the game to bring real skills to the table while not jumping on the trend boat where so many "talented" DJ's are floating away sipping wine coolers. Harry keeps it at his usual level of Harry gullyness on Unforgiven, as his mixes prove why most consider him the best DJ in the game. Harry shines on his "Rap Figures I" and "Rap Figures II" mixes, finding ways to bring acapellas from Method Man, Juelz, Cam, Styles P, Fat Joe and Nas together. Harry does it again with the "Brooklyn's Finest" beat (Harry seems to have a love, and rightfully so, for Jay-Z beats), bringing together Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss for a classic but too short mix. It's not easy doing what Harry does, although one thing does work in his favor - rappers all rhyme about the same things, so it's not impossible to take verses from 2001 - 2006 and make them fit together. If rappers started being different, Harry wouldn't be out of work but his job would definitely be harder. Also be on the lookout for Lost Boyz affiliate Dramills as he shines by himself and with Styles P on Unforgiven. This mixtape has longevity that a lot of "bigger" mixtape DJ's will never have, but it also lacks the exclusives that draw the zombies out of their caves. Having skills is not the coolest part about being a mixtape DJ anymore, but you know what they say - it's a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it.

Review by Brian Kayser