Because Uptown Records has earned a reputation in some circles as being the "champagne of rap" it should come as no surprise that their compilation for Ed and Dre's flick comes off as the "caviar" of hip-hop movie soundtracks. And even with a great diversity of artists and producers, the sophisticated Uptown sound manages to shine through. As a soundtrack this album succeeds in displaying a wealth of talent that truthfully represents the current flavor and direction of hip-hop and R&B. But more importantly, this project serves as a convenient showcase for Uptown Records' talent, both new and established. Out of the many new artist featured here (Third Eye, Crystal Johnson, Timbo King), it is rapper Biggie Smalls (the big, Black man, not the little, white boy, mind you) who livens things up with a hardcore debut on the perfectly titled "Party & Bullshit." Biggie is clearly the star of the album and you will definitely be hearing good things about him in the months to come. The collection also boasts new material from Uptown mainstays and collaborators like Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, who freak the notes on "What's Next On The Menu," Mary J. Blige, who sings over the "Vapors" track on "You Don't Have To Worry" and Father MC, who asks you to "Pimp Or Die." Heavy D and Nesto also put in solid performances, as do a few non-Uptown guest stars. Erick Sermon gives us a taste of his funk-filled solo flavor with "Hittin' Switches" while House of Pain has the honor of kicking the gangsta rhymes on the album's hard-hitting title track. Dancehall's own "Mr. Controversy" Buju Banton battles it out with Heavy D on "Hotness" and for the roughneck audience, "Flip That Shit" pairs Biggie Smalls and Third Eye with Naughty By Nature and your favorite gun waving baldheads--Onyx! With all this to choose from, this tape should have no problem blasting from both the jeep and the bubble bath. - The Source, 1993. Revisit this classic soundtrack below...
Ed Lover and Doctor Dre publicity photos...
