Freddie Foxxx as Bumpy Knuckles: Konexion

Plenty of rappers rhyme about being the realest, toughest killers in hip-hop, but Freddie Foxxx is one of the few who sounds convincing. A rapper's rapper, Foxxx released his MCA debut, Freddie Foxxx Is Here, in 1989. His Epic follow-up was permanently shelved, and while his affiliation with DJ Premier helped keep his name bandied about in underground circles, it would be more than a decade before he released his second official album, 2000's Industry Shakedown. Accompanied by a mini-comic detailing Foxxx's larger-than-life exploits, the disc boasted help from impressive producers and helped turn indie label Landspeed into a force in underground hip-hop. Alas, Foxxx's label troubles were far from over, as Landspeed reportedly stiffed him on royalties, leading him to sign with BBE. A model of controlled rage and almost feral intensity, Industry Shakedown had the feel of a personal vendetta, with Foxxx positing himself as a gun-toting, hip-hop Nat Turner burning down major-label plantations and leading his minions to freedom. Foxxx's follow-up, Konexion, lacks Industry Shakedown's urgency and focus, but retains much of the anger, indignation, and power that allow him to transcend the usual gangsta-rap clichés. Aimed squarely at Foxxx's loyal fan base, Konexion offers a 200-proof dose of the underground icon, who handles most of the production and nearly all the rapping. Never one to share the spotlight, Foxxx lends his mic only to his son and nephew, both of whom diligently pay homage to him. That's exactly the sort of cheesy move he would tear another rapper apart for pursuing, but at this point in his career, Foxxx has earned the occasional indulgence. His roughneck charisma hasn't dimmed, either, and he and Premier still make for a formidable duo, as evidenced by "Lazy," the album's best cut. The overlong Konexion doesn't quite measure up to its predecessor, but given the rocky course Foxxx's career has taken, it's nice just to have him back in action.