The latest full-length effort from Fresno's finest MC signifies Planet Asia's triumphant return to the forefront of underground hip-hop. Planet Asia is an extremely versatile lyricist and is probably one of the only indie rappers in hip hop with a both a Grammy nomination (for Mystic's "W" in 2002) and a collabo with a platinum-seling rock band (on Linkin Park's "Reanimation"). "The Grand Opening" is 16 tracks deep and is led by the hit singles "Right or Wrong", and "Pure Coke", with additional shots from Ghostface Killah, Martin Luther, Crunch & Cecilie Davis, Rasco, Goapele and Shake. It's a good album no doubt but it does have it's fast forward moments like the track "It's All Big" which is kind of clubby, but thats all good. If I can forgive Q-Tip for the 'Amplified' album, I can look past Asia's attempt at booty music. Who knows maybe heads out there will give Planet Asia's latest project a chance. I mean he did hit us with some dope albums like "How the West Was Won", a Cali Agents joint, and hit us with a solo EP called "The Last Stand" which I really enjoyed. As far as this album goes I give it a modest 3 out of 5 tomatoes.

It was Socrates who once said "There is only only one good, knowledge; and one evil, ignorance". This album combines both to make it one of those underground albums you need in your collection, and damn it's a nice find. Tracks like "Method To Madness", "Giddy Up","Nerd Wars", and "O.D.E." which features former Artifacts member Tame One, are tracks with a higher replay value than my copy of the Tommy Lee-Pam Anderson porn. Now that's saying a lot. In short,Yak Ballz simply put out a really nice album. It's rugged, smooth, and head nod material for sure. It's sure to be a sleeper album like The Nonce's "Mix Tape's" album which I still play on the reg. Give it a listen and hear what Yak Ballz is bringing to the table. You won't be sorry. Then again there are those few who will hate this album because there's no 20" rim references, or no guest appearance by Lil Jon of the East Side Boys. As for me I give this album a very good 3.5 tomatoes.

Life is good right now. A-Rod is traded to the NY Yankees, Howard Dean drops out of the Presidential race, WrestleMania XX is a few weeks away, and Krs One has released his first single off his upcoming album "Keep It Right" with his new label Grit Records. After Koch Records fucked up Krs One's 12th album (Kristyles) which they released unmastered, incomplete, and without Krs One's permission, Krs said fuck you to Koch and signed with Grit Records to release his upcoming 13th classic with DVD on May 11th. I can't wait! The single "Fucked" b/w "Let 'em Have It” is a preview of what Krs One has been saying all along..."Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live". I know Krs One does preach about the evils of the industry but he speaks the truth. Ask that bitch of a phony rapper Nelly. Sometimes I wonder if Krs feels he is the messiah of hip hop. Let's face it, he scared the shit out of me with that religious album he put out. Can you say Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ"? All in all Krs One is one of my favorite emcees and this 12" single backs it up and is what I needed to let me know Krs One is still the teacher. 4 tomatoes.