Notorious B.I.G. - Duets: The Final Chapter

After only one post-humous release way back in 1999, you just had to know their was a Biggie lurking around every corner.

Finally scrounging up enough forgotten verses, and even straight stealing some verses from previously released songs. Including the second single "Nasty Girl", including appearences by Avery Storm, Jagged Edge, Diddy, and Nelly. With production from Jazze Pha that sounds like a smoother version of "Nasty Boy". With that being one of the standout tracks on the entire CD, it's not exactly filled with great songs. Jay Z stops by for an guest verse on "Whatchu Want", flexing the same lyrical muscles that he's been showing off since his first album. Nothing new.

And let me get this out of the way right now, Korn shouldn't be on any song with Biggie. It just shouldn't happen. Two complete opposites, and in this case, no it doesn't work. On the other hand, the mash-up of Big and Bob Marley provides something interesting. Using an old, tried and true Marley lyric, it is mixed with verses from B.I.G.'s "Suicidal Thoughts". The thing that mainly makes the song so great isn't really the pairing of the two, or the beat. But it really shows the incredible talent BIG had for conveying a back-to-the-wall sense of urgency with such a calm demeanor. Giving you a glimpse of his stressful life with incredible clarity.

Overall this album doesn't do anything incredibly well. Most of the verses have been hard before, especially if you are a Big enthusiast (although if you are an enthusiast you'll have probably already picked this up). Some of the collaborations of ridiculous. Nas, Mary J Blige and 2Pac on one record? Please. We don't need to pretend they were friends. And if their is an afterlife, I'm sure they are disgusted at that candy-ass attempt to cash in on their names. With no real standout songs, you'll wind up listening to this, liking some songs, but definitely not heavy repeat material.


2.5 out of 5