Cornerstone mix-CDs are one of the best concepts to come out in a while.They're industry-only mix-CDs accompanied by a unmixed CDs| which contain thelatest radio versions of new releases. The CDs have a real nice blend oftracks to satisfy both the backpackers and the jiggy.

Cornerstone also has a promotional magazine called The Fader, andplan on launching a website in August.

The company, which was started in 1996 by industry veterans Rob Stone andJon Cohen, has been releasing the mix-CDs for almost a year. To date theyhave released CDs by such well-known DJs as Tony Touch, Big Tigger and DJAce and others. There is also an alternative format that featuresnon-hip-hop.

Their latest joint, Vol. 8, features Green Lantern of Tony Touch's 1200Squad, but it's Vol. 9 that should be the banger. Vol. 9 features anall-star pairing of DJ Premier and the Porno King/L.A. radio host Son Doobieon a New York to L.A. type of vibe. If this was has half as dope as the lastfew, it's bound to be memorable. Unfortunately, at this point, the CDs areonly available to industry insiders but, stay tuned, and we'll let you knowwhen the CDs hit the mass market. - Adam Matthews