Brand Nubian have released there latest album called "Fire In The Hole" (2004). The trio of Grand Puba, Sadat X, Lord Jamar provide a short enjoyable twelve track album. DJ Alamo and Lord Jamar provide production while guest appearances come from Starr and Aisha Mika.

The album opens with the solid lead single "Who Wanna Be A Star?" (It's Brand Nu Baby!). Next comes "Young Son", a track where Brand Nubian lay down some real life lessons for the boys who need to become men. First track I am really feeling is "Where Are You Now?" feat. Starr, like the beat, first class chorus and concept to this track . Brand Nubian excell on the fastpaced "Just Don't Learn", and then reunite with Starr for another standout cut "Still Living In The Ghetto", a track where Brand Nubian talk about peoples poverty and struggle to make it in the ghetto while asking when will things change. Brand Nubian then get sentimental on "Momma" a nice tribute to the women who brought them up. Not really feeling the experimental "Got A Knot". One of my favourite tracks on this album is "Coming Years", Brand talks about being grounded while advocating improving ones life, escaping the game and overcoming obstacles. "Whatever Happened...?" is about time passing and what happens to some people, jail, pregancy and fall outs. I like Brand Nubian's use of oldschool sampling like on the love based reunion track "Always Mine". One of my favourite oldschool songs is the original "Ooh Child" by the Five Stairsteps, BN brings it back with Aisha Mika, an inspirational track about working hard and making it. Loving this remake as its one of those positive tracks with alot of meaning behind it. Brand Nubian closes there album off strong with "Soldier's Story", first paying tribute to famous Black leaders and Rap artists who died to early, then dropping a hardcore story of war and death.

This is an album which will most likely be slept on by the masses. Brand Nubian is not in the spotlight these days, but they continue to create substantial music fourteen years after there debut album. I like the beats, sampling and positive/relevant lyrics found throughout "Fire In The Hole". I think Brand Nubian fans will be happy with this release and I recommend this to people who are looking for music with a message behind it.