Whats this I hear? CNN ain't real.
Whats this I hear? CNN is wack.
Whats this I hear? CNN won't kill.
Whats this I hear? CNN ain't back!"

What is this I hear? CNN back? The notorious duo in effect once again for the 2G? No way, not possible. But yes it is. Lyrical muscle Capone is fresh out of jail and back again to spit anew. His reunion with teammate Noreaga is chronicled on the very album even. The amazing fact is that Capone never got to enjoy his and Nore's success. Way back in 1997 Capone got locked up even before their now classic LP, The War Report, was even released. He never saw any of the money, that is, til his feet touched bricks this past year. After 3 years spent in jail Capone was hungry to impress his many fans with the same prowess and greatness he repped back in '97. Noreaga has, on the other hand, been living it up reaping the benefits from The War Report, and his two semi-successful solo LPs, Melvin Flynt-Da Hustler and N.O.R.E. Sporting the reputation Tommy Boy Records has this album should be a banger that can be appreaciated by both gangsta and purist factions of hip hop.

They return to the music industry with The Reunion, an album of joyful proportions surely. But these two thugs would never let a chance slip by to flex their muscle in the rap game. On the LPs first joint Carl Thomas, everyones favorite new crooner, sings a heartfelt interlude to the whole album. His harmonious voice draws you in to hear the entire album and listen to the wonderous reunion of two of hip hop's kings. Sporting a stable full of top of the line producers CNN is sure to impress. On Full Steezy the flutes of the track allure you into hear what Nore and 'Pone have to say in contrast with the beat. Produced by SPK Capone spits, "How does it feel for you to be in my world, even my girl, shopping sprees, monopoly cheese, copping you pearls." Teamed up with long time comrades Havoc and Prodigy of the Infamous Mobb Deep, CNN reps QB to the fullest. On Queen's Finest Prodigy display that they are not to be messed without any exceptions. This track is a beautiful posse cut that relives the days of old when I can recall a track that CNN and Mobb Deep did together that shall remain nameless.

Representing what I believe is to be the best beat CNN has ever in their entire career worked on is that from the undisputed heavyweight producer and DJ extraordinaire, DJ Premier. THe track Invincible is a well crafted beat that does not usually suit a thug duo like CNN. But never has CNN matched a track better, hands down. The track with its echoing beat and well placed scratches and hallowing sample from the sample king. Primo crafted a true jem. CNN spit the usual braggadocio, but never have they sounded so fresh and so compatible. Rhyming furiously, Noreaga ensures us he is top on this track, "From coast to coast I got them things, ba da boom ba da bing he the glorious king, another album, another plaque, another ounce, and another mack, another chromed out gat." I must admit this track is soo good that it would be on my top ten list of 2000's finest tracks. It is so invincible that it can hardly be matched in any of CNN's work. Another supreme job by champion DJ Premier. CNN did their job 'spitting grime over a Primo beat.'

CNN does a great job of re-uping on their previous hallowed class. But the chemistry and energy doesn't remain between the two with the hiatus of Capone with his time spent on lock down. But both of them have regained lost ground where they used to lack, Nore's rhymes are more thought out and Capone's voice is more solid. They also upped the ante on their beat maker picks. The beats are the true prize on this album, with tracks by Nokio, DJ Premier, Lord Finesse, Havoc, and Alchemist you're hard fought to go wrong. With sure fire hit singls in, Phone Time and Y'all Don't Wanna, the album is sure to sell well and be a fan favorite of the grimy fans. The answer of course is CNN is back, and with a vengeance for 2000+1.