This duo's place in 1990s rap is perhaps best summed up by their namechecks for the likes of Heavy D; measured and commercial, but without the unflinching avariciousness that would make mainstream hip hop so stultifying by the end of the decade. The Main Ingredient is produced with a light touch, and features plenty of the melodic samples from cult soul and funk numbers, making it easy on the ears. Pete Rock's calm, authoritative vocal style helps it along no end. Those unfamiliar with the duo might do best to start with their previous album, Mecca And the Soul Brother, and see how much they enjoy it before splashing out on this one. --David Bennun