Dan the Automator"s release on the DJs-only label Sequence Records is a blessing to music lovers who"ve slowed down their record collecting. Most of the songs featured on Wanna Buy a Monkey? are culled from the artist"s own albums, but the sophisticated blend of journeymen MCs and edgy ambient groups makes it easy for every listener to find something "new" to dig. Hard-core De La Soul fans may fall in love with Lovage"s whisper-soft groove, while Bobby Digi"s loose and funky turn on the Tru Master-produced "The Rhumba" might inspire those who appreciate Zero 7"s chill-out lullabies to discover the joy of hip-hop. Both camps will enjoy the original version of Gorillaz"s "Latin Simone," which recalls the languid, horns-influenced sound of the later-era Specials. But the clear winner here is Black Rob"s "Smoothness." Produced by Dan the Automator, the much-slept-on Bad Boy alumni"s flow is reminiscent of Big Daddy Kane at his peak--so tightly focused, so all-out smooth it"ll have you begging for more. --Rebecca Levine