Bad Boy artist Black Rob has faced quite a few impediments since the success of his smash single “Whoa!” in 2000, including some very public legal issues and a rare kidney disorder.

'The Black Rob Report'

But now he’s back, feeding the streets’ hip-hop hunger with his latest release, “The Black Rob Report” (Bad Boy/Atlantic Records).

With his distinct gruff rhyme delivery intact, Black “Bacardi” Rob picks up where he left off with slick street narration on “Watch Your Movements.” The song features R&B crooner Akon helping the lyricist guide fans through his past and to his present over a stirring production.

Later, “Star In Da Hood” has Rob declaring his presence in hip-hop’s current landscape, while he goes heavy on Harlem swagger on “Ready.”

While the album could do without a few of its skits, it becomes clear after listening to the collection that Diddy should seriously consider spending less time trying to assemble a R&B/pop group on MTV and more time promoting Rob, a veteran who demonstrates his worth and skills on a hip-hop mic. The “Black Rob Report” is already an early, under-the-radar classic.