Lately Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, a.k.a. The Neptunes have produced more rap hits, and turned more rappers into superstars faster than anyone could possibly blurt out the words P. Diddy. They're also no slouches when it comes to making music of their own. In 2002, their alter ego N.E.R.D. bestowed upon the world a rap/rock hybrid of furious gallantry in the form of their debut album In Search Of, which had the dubious honor of gracing my top ten list that year.

In countless interviews in 2003 though, Pharrell and Chad both stated that as great as In Search Of was, it didn't encapsulate their rock influences as much as they'd like, and that their follow up was going to rock the public's socks off. After waiting with utmost anticipation that follow up is finally here in the form of Fly or Die.

The biggest question about Fly or Die is quite obvious; does it really rock as they promised' The answer is a resounding hell yes it does! Album opener "Don't Worry About It" boasts Hugo whipping out some monster guitar riffs over Williams doing his best Curtis Mayfield falsetto impression. The bravado of Steely Dan is plastered all over the self titled track, and ELO's influence on N.E.R.D. is all over the song "Breakout." The best of this crop though is the first single "She Wants to Move," with it's drilling bass lines, and flamenco style guitar playing, it's a sure-fire winner. And also the fine song "Maybe" features Lenny Kravitz laying down some wonderful guitar, over Hugo doing his best "Benny & the Jets" impression on piano.

If there has to be knock on Fly or Die though, it would have to be the lyrics. Other than the pointed political stance of "Drill Sergeant," most of the lyrics here are pretty dull and predictable. Especially on the track "Jump," which gets bogged down by a guest performance by those two whiny bitches Joel and Benji Madden of Good Charlotte.

Overall, In Search Of is still the N.E.R.D. masterpiece. But musically, Fly or Die is absolutely one to die for.