I’m sure the name DJ Craze rings a bell for many of you, after all, there aren’t many three time DMC world champions out there. The Montreal native has teamed up with fellow local turntable wizard (and DMC, ITF champ), DJ A-Trak and his Audio Research Records. A-Trak does more than just provide the vehicle for the release, but he produces and cuts on a handful of the tracks. Label co-founder, Columbia scholar, Vice magazine rap editor Dave One also lends some beats to the compilation.

While Craze may call Montreal home and brings a slew of his native Canadians to the plate, “Rugged Radio Saturday” could easily be mistaken as a compilation straight from the mecca. The beats and the selection of vocal samples leave little doubt as to which city south of the border bears its imprint on DJ Craze. In fact, after the burning hot intro Brooklyn’s own Non Phixion share mic time with Montreal’s Obscure Disorder for the rough and rugged “2004.” The OD foursome is all over the album, including the excellent Simahlak produced “Back To The Lab” and the laid back “The Grill.” OD front man Troy Dunnit also gets a couple solo tracks. “Mindblowin” is nice but the Necro produced “Not Gangsta” outdoes it in both the lyric and beat department.

Another local legend in DJ Serious makes his presence known on this comp as well, produced “Snakes” (ft. Theo3″), and “Frostbite” (ft. Nish Rawks). All of the above are outdone by his collaboration with D-Sisive and the pop star roasting “Popped.” Theo returns with Simahlak and some well placed horns on “Under Pressure.” By this point I should mention that each and every track is mixed and blended into one another with perfect execution. Lest I forget to point out, there is also a constant barrage of ill choruses featuring nicely selection vocal samples and presented between cuts and scratches that would make Primo proud. Speaking of showing out on the one’s and two’s, “Felonious Funk” featuring D-Styles, Melo-D, DJ Babu, and DJ Q-Bert is as good as it gets.

With releases such as this one (and Babu’s a couple months back), it is a shame that more compilations don’t feature a DJ seamlessly constructing it. “Rugged Radio Saturday” is not only a slick compilation but it manages to provide a great look at the Audio Research repertoire. Showing both what they have offered, and what they have to offer.