By Jeff Powalisz

The rap industry in 2003 may be defined by 50 Cent’s pulsating debut of “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” but another frequent Eminem collaborator, Obie Trice, has gotten himself off on the right foot as well.

His debut album, “Cheers,” is showing America why Executive Producer Eminem has given him the opportunity to go solo, as his work-man-like rapping skills continue to impress and showcase his ability to put some force into his lyrics and beats.

Like “Get Rich or Die Tryin,'” the album is produced and mixed with some of the finest talent out there, creating some energetic and fast-paced beats sure to move along any set of lyrics well.

Trice, 23, another Detroit-born rapper like Eminem, made a name for himself by appearing in a set of Eminem tracks, such as “Drips” in the “The Eminem Show” and “Love Me” on the “8 Mile Soundtrack.” Even more recognizable is the mentioning of his name by Eminem in the opening of “Without Me.”

Standing out for its beats and rapping, and among the album’s best, is “Sh*t Hits the Fan,” featuring the usual in-your-face rapping style of Dr. Dre and a strong refrain from Eminem.

Trice stands tall in the single as well; his lines are clearly stated and easy to hear. He focuses on getting the point across, abstaining from style and focusing on sharp words and biting lyrics.

The following track, “Follow My Life,” powerfully demonstrates his presence as a tough rapper, his words hitting strong and working again under the mixing of Eminem and Steve King, who did their work mainly at 54 Sound in Detroit.

“We All Die One Day,” track 10 on the 17-track album, features 50 Cent, Eminem and G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks, another recognizable song on the album that works well with all involved and stands tall over some mediocre tracks.

Eminem works his magic in the track as well, taking control and standing out with his solo, as he does in many albums that are not his own, including “What’s The Difference” in Dr. Dre’s “Dr. Dre 2001” and “Patiently Waiting” in “Get Rich Or Die Tryin,”

Trice works with Nate Dogg in the slower moving but satisfying “Look In My Eyes,” again with Eminem in “Hands On You,” and Busta Rhymes in “Oh!”

While Trice does not come on to to the scene like the high-profiled 50 Cent, his underdog status may be working to his advantage. In media interviews, he acknowledged the momentum and experience of other rappers, and noted he was waiting for his turn.

His image grew on the Anger Management and Rock the Mic tours, and a public desperate for more magic from Eminem anxiously waited for another debut from Shady Records.

With a fierce flow and a set of desired tracks, it looks as if there’s another talent to add to the mix.