Duets: The Final Chapter [Explicit Lyrics]

It is difficult to overcome the suspicion that DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER, the Notorious B.I.G.'s second posthumous "studio" release, is a blatant case of opportunism. The late rapper's legend towers so hugely over the hip-hop landscape, and his name has taken on such iconic grandeur, that it's absurdly easy to cash in on his musical legacy. DUETS recycles unused Biggie material, looping it artfully along with performances by some of the finest MCs and vocalists in the hip-hop and R&B community. Since Biggie's parts are sometimes minimal, however, those looking for a disc full of new music from the late icon may be disappointed.

Still, the album is an affecting listen, which is largely due to the spectacular assembly of talent. With a roster that includes the likes of Missy Elliott, R. Kelly, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Eminem, Nas, Mary J. Blige, and Biggie's widow, Faith Evans, among many, many others, DUETS works nicely as a tribute and a testament to Biggie's influence on the evolution of hip-hop. As much a cultural artifact as a music release, DUETS will appeal to hardcore Biggie fans and, in general, music fans interested in how hip-hop builds and maintains its own mythology.

What the critics say...

Entertainment Weekly (p.80) - "DUETS works on two fronts: as a brisk-moving all-star mixtape and sad reminder of a towering talent." -- Grade: B+