Chicago-based rap artist Twista released his third solo CD, “Kamikaze,” today. This album arrives during the peak of Twista’s stardom, largely because of his chart-topping single, “Slow Jamz” featuring Kanye West and actor/singer Jamie Foxx. The song has garnered constant radio and video airplay.

“I just got the vibe off Kanye and his beat,” Twista said. “I fell in love with the Luther Vandross sample and it just came to me. Since it’s ‘Slow Jamz,’ I wanted to use a lot of metaphors by mentioning some of the older artists.”

This strategy seemed to do the trick. The song captured the ears of an older audience by giving respect to Marvin Gaye and Anita Baker.

This is not to say that he is a stranger to notoriety. Twista has collaborated with high-profile artists like P. Diddy, Jay-Z and Missy Elliott. Guest appearances beside MC’s of this caliber eventually led to both Diddy and Jay-Z bidding to sign him to their labels.

Twista reached gold status with his critically-acclaimed major label debut, “Adrenaline Rush” and his Speedknot Mobstaz’ group effort, “Mobstability.” He was named the world’s fastest rapper by the “1992 Guinness Book of World Records,” when he was known as “Tung Twista.”

With these accomplishments, why would Twista choose an image and title like “Kamikaze” for his first, true solo album in seven years?

“I’m going all out,” Twista said. “I was thinking, ‘What’s the ultimate adrenaline rush?’ and that’s kamikaze. In this industry, to get what you want you’ve go to go kamikaze.”

As soon as fans crack open a copy, they will see Twista certainly is not all talk. Four lucky consumers will receive a gold ticket, redeemable for personalized “Kamikaze” wheel rims, Twista said.

With the hype and anticipation surrounding this album, many wonder if Twista can still bring the heat after time off.

The album starts off with the incredible “Get Me” and “Kill Us All”. Both of these tracks showcase the combination that made hip-hop heads nationwide love him: His fast-paced flow, coupled with hard-core beats. After two songs it is clear this album is out to prove Twista has not lost his touch.

Kanye West provides vocals and production to the album’s highlight, “Overnight Celebrity.” This song showcases West’s versatility as a producer. Twista flows well over the Midwestern bounce of the beat, with lush strings and a piano in the background.

Another highlight on the album is his collaboration with fellow Chicago native, R. Kelly. Kelly produces, arranges and sings on the album, which aims to please the ladies.

Twista fully understands that fans want a taste of “Adrenaline Rush” to accompany his updated flow for 2004, which prompted him to include “Still Feels So Good” as an aptly-titled sequel to “It Feels So Good.”

“I really like the song. I’m just showing that it’s still the same in the hood,” Twista said. “I’m giving it to you how Chicago players put it down, because we still feel good.”

Twista shows a different side to his artistry on “Hope”, featuring Cee-Lo. He speaks about remaining optimistic during tragedy, while sending peaceful wishes to Aaliyah, Left Eye of TLC, Jam Master Jay and the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

“Kamikaze” is a solid effort for Twista. It features different musical feels, courtesy of producers Toxic, Jazze Pha and Red Spyda.  The album features strong contributions from hip-hop heavyweights 8Ball, Too Short, Ludacris and T.I.  Rocafella artists Memphis Bleek, Young Chris and Freeway show up on “Art & Life(CHI-ROC),” showing fans the possibilities of what could have occurred, had Twista inked a deal with Rocafella.

“I want to be remembered for my lyrics and being a pioneer for Chicago,” Twista said. “I was one of the first to put it down for the city and I’m still one of the last.”