Noreaga N.O.R.E. (Penalty Recordings/Tommy Boy)

With one half of CNN locked up doin' some time, the other half is making some moves of his own along with some of his talented friends. Noreaga re-acquaints us with the Queensbridge state of mind, flowing with equal parts gusto and thugged-out insight. My jam is definitely "Fiesta," a barrio-flavoured steady with shout-outs courtesy of Kid Capri, not to mention "The Assignment," featuring Busta Rhymes, Spliff Star and Maze running a blitz formation. Even with some tracks a little too polished at times, this is still a nice piece from someone they said would fall flat without Capone. Check the five-minute phone conversation on "One Love"--between Nore and his incarcerated partner--and tell me it doesn't bring a tear to your eye. 7.5/10 (Scott C)

Nancy Walker Invitation (Unity/Page)

One of the pleasant surprises at this year's Ottawa Jazz Festival was a concert by pianist Nancy Walker and bassist Keiran Overs. On her debut CD, drummer Barry Romberg, another first-rate musician from the Toronto area, is added. Ms. Walker's edgy piano is well-showcased on the pieces heard here--a pair of standards, items by Thad Jones and Ornette Coleman and five of her own, of which "Little Dark One" is a good place to begin. 8/10 (Len Dobbin)

Monica The Boy Is Mine (BMG)

The other half of "The Boy Is Mine" phenomenon steps out from the shadows with her curiously titled sophomore set. The 17-year-old pre-diva brilliantly mines pop-soul territory, making for a richly textured package. Whether it's the Supremes-sampled "First Night," the old school charm of "Misty Blue," the downtempo stylings of "Ring da Bell" or the innocent fervour of "Angel of Mine," Monica delivers, solidly confirming that she's one of the most mature young artists around. 8.5/10 (Gerard Dee)