Canibus: Can-I-Bus

In a number of ways, Canibus is an ideal rapper for the end of the millennium. From his battle with LL Cool J to his bizarre conspiracy theories to his obsessions with the Internet and the scientific fringe, Canibus is a paradoxical figure, equal parts old-school battle rapper and new-school pre-millennial prophet of doom. Under the tutelage of equally nutty mentor Wyclef Jean, Canibus has already generated a buzz in the rap world, first through his feud with LL Cool J, then through guest raps on Jean's contributions to the Bulworth and Small Soldiers soundtracks. Like Jean, Canibus is at his most entertaining when indulging his eccentricities. While most rappers try to stress their hardcore street knowledge, Canibus has a persona that stresses not only his undeniable strengths as a lyricist, but his knowledge of such distinctly un-hardcore topics as crop circles, computers, and the reproductive system. On his debut, Can-I-Bus, this proves perversely entertaining, as when Canibus becomes possibly the only rapper in history to boast of having his rhymes on microfiche, or when he opens the album with the less-than-threatening sound of a computer logging onto the Internet. Many of the album's most indelible moments match Canibus' urgent polysyllabic flow to surreal subject matter, as when, on "I Honor You," he raps first from the point of view of a single sperm and then from the perspective of a five-month-old fetus. (Sample lyric: "I can't even hold you in my arms because they ain't developed yet.") The same can be said for "Channel Zero," in which he manages to cram 50 years of conspiracy theories into one song. (Note to both the Freemasons and super-intelligent dolphins: Canibus is on to you.) But while the rapper's long, complicated verses can be breathtaking, he's too often sabotaged by the weak production of Jean, Jerry Wonder, and DJ Clark Kent. Likewise, Canibus' anger and paranoia give the disc a dense, claustrophobic feel that grows oppressive. Wyclef Jean is often rightly criticized for the glossy, derivative production on much of his work, but Canibus' album would probably benefit from poppier production. Still, Can-I-Bus is a compelling debut that suggests Canibus could remain a force in the rap world long after his feud with LL Cool J is forgotten.