Veteran Click

It may seem audacious for a group that's released only two full-length albums to call itself the Veteran Click. But Dun Deala, the Weapon, E-Skool and S.G. have paid rap dues since the mid-'90s, and it shows on the local group's sophomore album, which came out last year. Whereas most rap records with 15-plus tracks hold a lot of dead weight, Return finds the V.C. running through 18 with ease, touching on such topics as greed, the state of the streets, the need for structure and "alcohol aerobics." Certain rap staples also appear, such as the requisite hometown joint and the posse cut. With so much going on lyrically, S.G.'s beats lend a needed cohesion to the album with a diverse arsenal of synth sounds and drum programming that's heavy on the hi-hat. As E-Skool proclaims, You can't call yourself a vet when you never got your feet wet. Return is evidence that the Click could give swim lessons to lesser MCs.