''We have to adjust and balance the quality of music we listen to. Constant negative input leads to negative living.'' That quote by X Clan's founding member Brother J puts into perspective the state of HipHop music today. They're is no balance. Today's HipHop scene is dominated by themes of materialism, violence & sex but where are the themes of empowerment, upliftment & advancement. With no new artists stepping up to the plate or more specifically major labels not giving music like that a chance, there is a definite void that needs to be filled.

In comes X Clan, a Brooklyn group from the early 90's who's Afrocentric & politically charged music ushered in the Red Black & Green era. Their Edutainment style HipHop made listeners expand their thinking both outwards & inwards. After the release of their 2 albums in 1990 [To The East Blackwards] & 1992 [Xodus] the group disbanded. Well 2007 sees a reformed group & a new album, Return From Mecca. Although founding member Professor X passed away last year the groups activist nature remains.

Production on the album is solid with a blend of of both classic West & East coast sounds. Producer duties are handled by DJ Quik, DJ Khalil, Jake One, DJ Fat Kat & Quazedelic. While the tracks have an old school sound to them they are cleary contemporary & compliment the vocals laid over them with only one or two questionable tracks.

Although lyrical flow can be a little hit or miss sometimes, where this album truly stands out is in it's lyrical content. Every track tries to uplift or educate and doesn't espouse the virtue of a pimped out ride or a promiscuous lifestyle.Topics range from education to being black in the U.S. Guest appearances on the album include RBX, KRS-One, Damian Marley & Chali 2NA of Jurassic 5. Standout tracks include ''Voodoo'' & ''Prison'' f/ Christian Scott.

Overall this album is a pearl that will probably get lost in the ocean that is today's HipHop scene. If your an older HipHop head who has given up on today's crop of music & artists. Or if you find yourself wishing for those days when beats were tight & lyrics were meaningful, than you should check this one out. If your a young cat and like artists like Common or Outkast than you should check it out also.

SonicAmp Rating: 7/10