Too seldom do independent/underground artists get to showcase their talents on a major label without being signed to one. However, on Immortal/Epic Records' compilation The Next Chapter, the underground MCs get to reveal their skills via mainstream means. Given that there are only unsigned (at that point) artists on this album, there are going to be some lesser-quality songs; however, there are a few worth listening to. Defari's "Big Up," Phunky Dialect's "L.A.P.D.," and Dilated Peoples' "End of the Time" are all good tracks in their own right. It's worth seeking out this compilation, if not just for the fact to hear some artists who went on to obtain major record deals in their premature state (Defari and Dilated Peoples to mention a few). ~ Nick Pfeiffer, All Music Guide