AMG Review of Violate This

Andy Hinds
All Music Guide

It's really a shame that Stuck Mojo's uncompromising hip-hop-laced metal has remained such a well-kept secret while lesser talents like Limp Bizkit have achieved mass popularity. As this collection of B-sides and rarities demonstrates, the long-running Atlanta quartet's scope is wider, their integrity is stronger, and the quality of their material is more consistent than that of their followers and contemporaries. Songs like "Ten Years" and "Revolution" display an anthemic knack for melodicism that would make Living Colour proud, while "Mojo Funk"'s horn accompaniment recalls Fishbone. And, just as their cover selections (Iron Maiden's "Wrathchild" and Mötley Crüe's "Shout at the Devil") proudly display the group's metal roots, "Propaganda"'s "don't believe the hype" chant shows their debt to Public Enemy. In short, Stuck Mojo is simply smarter, more sophisticated, and far heavier than their peers. An impressive collection that is sure to excite fans, Violate This even serves as a fair introduction to newcomers.