Upon the arrival of this CD URBAN COLLISION Presents: I was drawn in by the personnel. Former members of the Chicago ubergroup Marvin Tate's D-Settlement, had come together to display their varied talents - individually. I had to remind myself that the band that I had grown to respect was no more - well maybe. The mere mention of D-Settlement makes many ponder what if? What if the members made their own music? Well ponder no more; this album is tight from start to finish. Under the production of bassist/producer Olin Langley, Adam Conway and others, the myriad of musicianship is evident from song one. Def Poetry Jam poet and Chicagoan Marvin Tate makes two appearances on this effort. His bluesy vibe laced with underlying sarcasm is rare among many of his contemporaries to say the least. Along with vocalists Tina M.Howell and Adam Conway, the performances are sparkling. Former Liquid soul member OMEGA provides steady vocals for ex D-Settlement percussionist George David (George Jones). Debbi Buzil brings the spiritual angle to this CD and special guests Liz Murray and Sammie Lee give the project the breath of fresh air that is always welcome. Many compilations come across as empty, rushed and under thought. Urban Collision promises to provide many volumes of wonderful music for a long time. If you get a chance to see the collective perform – DO SO. Nothing matches catching this live – nothing. This is a CD well worth purchasing.

This CD is just ROCKIN' my world. Marvin Tate's D-Settlement prove themselves to be the musical geniuses they were live in their truly individualistic performances. Chill Poetry, Twisted Hip Hop, Samples and Beats mark the debut of the Urban Collision sound. Earthy,ethereal,angry, big hearted and healing, it goes to show that the former D-Settlement's unity and beauty lie in their different sounds of expression.

A perfect piece of work . This CD is very imaginative , it offers a unique sound . I know these people will succeed in all they do . BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This project lives up to its title by showcasing nearly every type of music within its 16 tracks. The first half alone breaches classification, offering everything from soulful, jazzy ballads to industrial electronica and blues. Each member displays an individual specialization. Marvin Tate’s focus remains a progressive flavor of hip hop, art-funk and soul. “Blood in the Potatoe Salad” features Tate’s storytelling lyric over a puerile, music box melody. His next contribution completely switches gears and he ends the compilation with “Take Off Your Shoes (And Run),” a haunting fable with roots in Howlin’ Wolf and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Members Olin Langley and George David take care of the funk and trip-hop side of things with their respective songs “Away” and “Reflections of Me.” No sound goes unexplored, with guest Liz Murray’s “I’m Here” combining the echoing guitars of the Cure with the ethereal vocals of the Cocteau Twins. Adam Conway and guest Sammie Lee team up on “Work it Out,” a dance-industrial track, and Debbi Buzil’s voice winds it way around the beautiful strings of “Om Namah Shivaya.”