The Speedknot Mobstaz

Twista may be the biggest name on Mobstability II: Nation Bizness, but he’s not officially in charge. Instead, he’s presenting the disc on behalf of Chicago’s Speedknot Mobstaz, with whom he teamed on the first Mobstability, issued ten years ago. Since then, Mobstaz Lefty Stokes and Mayz have bided their time, and the love-a-thug crowd is likely to feel the wait was worthwhile: “Money to Blow,” the lead single, is a cleverly produced hard-core salute to profligacy and skankiness, while the likes of “Money N Murda” deliver some thrills. Hip-hoppers who want a little more than another tribute to dope slinging and weaponry may feel differently, though, and Twista’s cache has dipped since topping charts with 2004’s Kanye West-boosted “Slow Jamz.” But don’t count out the Mobstaz, joined on this bill by M.I.S.T., L.G., Rook, Young Doe, Mr. Midas and Twista himself. After all, the Speedknot pair know something about going slow and steady.