Which Doobie U B

Funkdoobiest's debut album, Which Doobie U B?, sounds a lot like their mentors in Cypress Hill -- a lot. Not only is DJ Muggs' production very similar, but lead MC Son Doobie's flow often resembles a more robotic version of B Real (that's a compliment, by the way). But it all works anyway -- Muggs is in his absolute prime as a producer here, and Son Doobie's rhymes are fittingly surreal and stoner-friendly, albeit more cartoonish than menacing like his Cypress counterpart. The record is front-loaded with its best songs -- "The Funkiest," "Bow Wow Wow," and "Freak Mode" were the underground hits, and they're also the first three cuts here. Most of the rest of the album keeps their vibe going with pretty admirable consistency, and stays engaging the whole way through. B Real drops in for a guest spot on the Little Richard-sampling "Wopbabalubop," and there are some nifty echoing drums on "Here I Am." It may not break any new ground, but frankly, Which Doobie U B? is better than any latter-day Cypress Hill album. ~ Steve Huey|