New York's Screwball strikes out with 'Y2K'

For those who follow the New York hip-hop scene, the name Screwball should stimulate some interest. The four-man Queensbridge crew provoked commotion and controversy with some inflammatory statements made in hip-hop publications and Internet sites. But with all the hype and self-promotion behind this album, "Y2K" falls short of making any lasting impression on the hip-hop scene.

Helping Screwball out with the lyrical element of the album are some of Queens' most popular MCs: Mobb Deep, Cormega and Capone. Also, Biz Markie makes a beat box cameo. The production credits are equally impressive with the likes of Marley Marl, DJ Premier and Pete Rock. Unfortunately, the fact that the members of Screwball possess only average rhyming skills overshadows these artists' work. However, what they lack in skill they make up for with controversy.

Throughout 20 tracks, Screwball makes sure to represent Queensbridge to the fullest. On "H-O-S-T-Y-L-E," the group member of the same name attempts to show the group's street roots by describing the type of people who call themselves Screwball fans: Henney guzzlers, drug pushers and money-getters. Though the track is catchy and well constructed, the lyricism is less than inspiring since it isn't much more than a three-minute long shout-out.

Starting out the more controversial material is the cut "You Love To Hear The Stories." It features MC Shan, an MC who gained fame during the 1980s for his battles with the Bronx-based KRS-ONE over where hip-hop originated and which borough boasted the best rappers. Though some man say KRS and the Bronx won the first round of the fight, this track serves to make people realize that, as of late, Queens groups have been on top of the hip-hop heap. "Stories" does re-ignite the controversy, yet it is uncertain if Screwball's proclamation is of any use.

If the controversy has a climax, it can be found on "Who Shot Rudy?" This is the song that caused Screwball to receive so much attention. Here, Screwball serves as the voice of New Yorkers, especially those in the hip-hop community, who have constantly been at odds with New York City's mayor Rudy Giuliani. It details the fictional assassination of the mayor. The track serves as a response to allegedly constant abuse practiced by those involved in New York City's administration. If anything, this track serves as an interesting commentary on how some people feel Giuliani's efforts to clean up the city have encroached on their personal freedoms.

Though there are a few highlights on this album, they are only due to good production. The album's lyrical content lacks creativity except for "Who Shot Rudy?" However, it's doubtful that Screwball's intention was to be compared to such lyricists at Common and Rakim. They are trying to establish themselves as a hardcore hip-hop group in the Queensbridge tradition of Mobb Deep and Capone-N-Noreaga, but they still have to improve a great deal in order to reach that caliber.