Uptown Saturday Night

Camp Lo's debut album is a refreshing fusion of hip-hop, soul, and jazz that manages to avoid most jazz-rap clichés while retaining street credibility. Uptown Saturday Night doesn't really break any new ground, yet it doesn't sound tired either, primarily because the rappers of Camp Lo have a deft, graceful rhythmic touch and their producers (including Ski and Trugoy tha Dove) are skilled musicians, capable of weaving funky sonic layers that never sound too spare or overloaded. In short, Uptown Saturday Night, even with its occasional dull patches, is a worthwhile debut.