The artist currently known as Prince

New to the world of rap music, 24-year-old Prince Rahiem's has recorded a CD that should gain him respect as a multi-talented rapper. "On A Ride" combines a masterly blended mix of bass and hip-hop.

This 12-track CD should be enjoyed the first time listeners hear it. Rahiem's beats sound fresh and captivating.

It's undoubtedly one of the better records to enter the rap world in the last few years. It will not only fit the genre well, but also should stand above the tunes of today.

Most of the CD consists of high-energy mixes. "Cry No More," one of the few slow songs on the record, resembles the sounds of Boyz II Men. "Party" has a very fast beat that gets you moving.

The nine-year bass music veteran from Florida is working on altering the stereotypical image of that genre. Growing up in Queens, N.Y., Rahiem was inspired by neighborhood heroes and hiphop pioneers Run DMC and LL Cool J.

He teamed up with bass legends Clay D. and DJ Magic Mike to form Clay D. & The Get Funky Crew. The trio put out songs that reached the Billboard's R&B chart and Jet Magazine's top 20.

As a solo artist, Rahiem hopes this latest collection will inspire listeners to take heed to positive messages.

Prince Rahiem is definitely "On A Ride" to success with his current record.