Juliano Creator’s name may not ring bells in the mainstream’s citadel, but one glance of the contributions from his solo debut Heavyweight reveals his Hip-Hop respect is paid in full. Aiming to put some verbiage back into the art, the U.K. producer enlists the likes of American MCs such as Little Brother, The Beatnuts and Mobb Deep for a global appreciation of the culture.

Compilation albums generally don’t fare without diversity and luckily enough, Recordkingz’ production talents carry the gene of versatility. “This Is 4 My People” sports a breezy riddim combined with a staccato drum pattern for Evidence to give out universal shoutouts while the frenetic “Rock Ya Shoulders,” puts some spark in the notoriously absent Beatnuts. And naturally, Juliano promotes his turntable talents with the various “Skits” sprinkled throughout the LP.

With solid production in tact, the majority of the staff meet their quota as well. Queens based rapper Aasim issues convincing threats on “You Been Warned” as does Glasses Malone on the album’s biggest surprise “Da Money.” Over a hypnotic bevy of bass and robotic sample, G. Malone spits with laid back intensity with lines like “Real shit/Understand dog, I keep my chrome/It’s nothin’ for a nigga to cock n’ pop yo face/Hit you in the mouth til’ it ain’t got no taste…” Brutal.

The downside the microphone melee is the lack of innovation present. Beats, rhymes, life, period. Artists like Tragedy Khadafi and Problemz manage to create voids instead of fill them. Nevertheless, Heavyweight offers up a bulky alternative in these times where rappers are celebrated for their hooks opposed to actual pound for pound lyricism.

3.5 CIGARETTES

Listen — To Heavyweight on Recordkingz official MySpace page.