As dedicated readers of JVibe are sure to note, there is a long-running bond between Jews and hip hop music. From Rick Rubin to the Beastie Boys to Third Bass, Jews have been making an impact in the rap game from nearly day one.

In honor of that longstanding connection, Craig N Co recently offered up one of the finest Jewish hip hop compilations yet to be released, Celebrate Hip Hop: Jewish Artists from Around the Globe.

A 12-song collection of tunes from the U.S., Israel, Canada and beyond, Celebrate Hip Hop offers something different for every hip hop fan. The album opens up with the Hip Hop Hoodios underground hit, "Ocho Kandelikas," (Eight Candles), a latin-spiced quasi rock/rap tribute to every Jew's favorite holiday. It's a perfect choice to start off this global and eclectic hip hop treat.

Further into the CD, we see the depth of the genre of "Jewish rap." Sometimes the artists take on serious themes (such as the Israeli/Palestinian conflict taken on by   Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Remedy) and sometimes they are somewhat more playful (Etan G.'s "South side of the synagogue"). You could say the CD is as diverse as the Jewish people themselves. The one unifying aspect of the entire mix is the remarkably tight production across all the songs. Frankly, I consider myself a hip hop aficionado but I was pleasantly surprised by many of the melodious offerings of some of the new artists.

Some of the tightest tracks on the CD had me hooked on one level, although I sometimes couldn't connect all the way because of the language barrier. Specifically, the track by the Russian group iSquad, "History," was a real banger. Also, the song "Big Ben" by Sagol 59 and A7 which is a tribute to a friend lost in a suicide bombing is spit half in Hebrew, half in English.

"Sweetness" by British emcee Emunah is a fast-paced tune about appreciating "every day magic." Arguably the most memorable verse on the CD begins with Enumah pronouncing, "When I picked up my pen, I had nothing to say/But somethings will just come this is one of those days/Whether sober or twisted/I'm naturally lifted/Greatful cacophony/everyday epiphany." It is this sort of tongue-twisting lyrical gymnastics that make this entire album so pleasurable to listen to.

My one criticism about Celebrate Hip Hop is that it only features two Israeli hip hop tracks, disappointing considering just how much good music is out there. A band like Hadag Nachash or Subliminal would have fit in quite nicely with the collection. But perhaps this could be remedied with more compilations in the future. There is surely enough good music to warrant several countries getting their own Jewish hip hop releases.

That said, Celebrate Hip Hop is a fantastic offering for the hip hop enthusiast or your average music fan looking to get clued in to what Jews around the world can do with the art form. You can pick up your copy here (http://www.craignco.com/albums/celebrate_hip_hop.php).

Josh Eagle is former senior editor of JVibe.com and will be rubbing the Sox World Series win in his Dad's face for many years to come.