If the soundtrack does as well as the movie, Rush Hour 2 is sure to be one of the biggest entertainment packages this year.
The movie began with an opening week of $60 million plus, and the album has the potential and talent to go the distance as well.
This 17-track album is broad-based, featuring veteran and new musical artists collaborate on songs to create a soundtrack as entertaining as the movie.
One of the hottest songs (parental advisory recommended for youngsters) is "Area Codes" featuring Ludacris of "Southern Hospitality" fame and "hookmeister" extraordinaire Nate Dogg himself. While the song is full of adult content, the beats will have you feeling the vibe.
Veteran artists bring their flavor to this album with Montell Jordan's "Mine, Mine, Mine," Keith Murray's "He's Back," LL Cool J's "Crazy Girl" (featuring Mashonda) and the resurfacing of the widely know and foul mouthed reputation of Method Man in "Party and Bulls***," featuring T.R.
Artists on the rise contribute the elements of pop and soul with "Love Again" featuring Dru Hill's Jazz and Jill Scott, "Keep it Real" with Musiq Soulchild and Redman, "You Make me Laugh" by Christina Milian (of Ja Rule's "Between Me and You" fame, "Paper Trippin'" by WC featuring, once again, Nate Dogg and the surprise jewel of the album, "The World is Yours" featuring Macy Gray and Slick Rick together.
New artists include Say Yes, 3rd Storee, FT, Kandice Love and Lovher.
While this album may not be the blockbuster of the year, much like the movie, it has a certain something to offer hip hop, rap, pop and soul fans.
It may not win you over with all 17 tracks, but it is sure to keep you vibin’ and entertained throughout.
Even if you don not "understand the words that are coming out of their mouths," as Rush Hour 2 star Chris Tucker might say, you will definitely understand the songs. The beats and music are well worth the price.
Grade: B+
