R&B

April, 1999

Live albums are rare in hip-hop. Where rock stars define their music via live shows, rappers have usually exploited remixes for that purpose. So Survival of the Illest: Live from 125 NYC (Def Jam) is a rare document. That alone makes it worthwhile, but several of the rappers bring even more intensity live than in the studio. DMX, whose recorded work is marked by a manic attack on the mike, is outstanding here on Stop Being Greedy, Ruff Ryder's Anthem and Money, Power, Respect with the Lox. Also...