Beatboxer Rahzel: A Knockout

After establishing a loyal following with years of underground dues-paying and relentless touring with the Roots, Rahzel emerges with a superb solo showcase. In addition to being a top-tier beatboxer, Rahzel takes the human-orchestra craft several steps further by creating and incorporating a masterful melange of sound effects into his music.

Whether imitating a computer, car, kung-fu warrior, drum machine or another rapper’s voice, he successfully blends his wide array of aural treats into the 17-song set.

In addition to his stellar sonic abilities, Rahzel proves a capable rapper on cuts such as “All I Know,” “Carbon Copy (I Can’t Stop)” and “Suga Sista.” When guests such as Slick Rick (“Night Riders”) and Erykah Badu (“Southern Girl”) handle the vocals, Rahzel slips to the background to handle the track’s instrumentation, which remains tight throughout.

It may be difficult for those unfamiliar with his work to completely appreciate Rahzel’s music without seeing him perform in person; watching him create vocals, drums and a horn at once is mind-blowing. This lyrically lighthearted album--due in stores Tuesday, is the next best thing, as Rahzel triumphantly reintroduces the lost art of beatboxing with “Make the Music 2000.”

*

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).

Hear the Music

* Excerpts from these albums and other recent releases are available on The Times’ World Wide Web site. Point your browser to: https://www.calendarlive.com/soundclips