Face to Face (VP, 1994)

Released by Greensleeves as Guns Out, this album showcases two of the most popular and powerful modern dancehall DJs in the business.  At the time of this release, Bounty Killer might have been more popular, but Beenie Man was soon to overtake him, climbing into the American consciousness in 1998 with the smash "Who Am I."   Bounty Killer has yet to have that one monster hit, but I prefer him to Beenie Man -- I'm not sure why; sometimes, you just like the sound of someone's voice or his style.   This album collects 6 songs apiece, some more well-known than others.  Bounty Killer has the first half, his hits "Not Another Word," "Them No Have No Heart," and "Kill or Be Killed" being the superior tracks.  Of course, these three are readily available on other compilations, so that fact diminishes their impact (unless, of course, you don't have said compilations).  Beenie Man's side is of similar quality, with "Mobster," "It's a Wonder," and "Off the Air Bad Boy" being the best.  As is their nature, hardcore dancehall dominates the album, and the artists end up in a draw in this contest, both representing themselves fairly well, but neither bringing their full arsenal.