The Diplomats

More Than Music, Vol. 1 is a glorified mixtape with little appeal beyond the Diplomats' devout following -- a following that helped carry the release into the Billboard album chart, despite being released on a label referred to by 50 Cent as an "artists' graveyard." Not bad for a slipshod release. Containing just enough roles from the big guns -- Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones -- to keep ears perked, More Than Music is more a way to showcase the crew's second stringers and up-and-comers. This lacks the playful spirit of several Dipset mixtapes released during the past couple years (a widely distributed Koch release can't play as fast and loose with the samples and outright beat swiping that makes the relatively "underground" Dipset mixes such a treat). View this as the Diplomats in spring training -- there's too much room allowed for untested newcomers, most of which have yet to establish their own identities. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide