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"The Ultimate Collection [Box]" (11/16/2004) R&B Jackson, Michael, Legacy RecordingsPersonnel include: Michael Jackson (vocals, percussion); Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, Seidah Garrett, Diana Ross (vocals); The Notorious B.I.G., Vincent Price (rap vocals); Chris Tucker (spoken vocals); Larry Carlton, Mike Sembello, Tito Jackson, David Williams , Marlo Henderson (guitar); Jim Horn (saxophone); David "Hawk" Wolinski (electric piano); Michael Boddicker (synthesizer); John Robinson , Nathan Watts, Bobby Watson (bass instrument); Ollie Brown, Bill Bottrell (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Jackson, Richard Heath (percussion); Jim Gilstrap, Augie Johnson (background vocals); The Seawind Horns. Recording information: 1969 - 2004. By 2004, Michael Jackson's bizarre image almost completely obscured the talent that had made him an international superstar. However, he became a musical icon by simply being the best at creating and performing pop songs. The opening moments alone of hits like "Rock with You" and "Billie Jean" would make them classic, but every aspect of these songs adds up to perfect radio pop. Jackson's THRILLER, after all, didn't simply luck into being the biggest-selling record of its time; each of its seven Top 10 hits had unique charms and drew from different elements of the pop universe. While there have been many previous Jackson hits collections, the four-CD/one-DVD ULTIMATE COLLECTION is just that--it represents Jackson's whole career, from his youthful days with the Jackson 5 to the early years of the 21st century. (The rare omissions--"Human Nature," "Heal the World"--show up live on the DVD.) Mixed in with his numerous hits are previously unreleased songs, demo versions of hits, album tracks, and odds and ends, most remarkably, one of the earliest versions of "We Are the World" with almost completely different lyrics. THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION expertly chronicles the career of one of the most important, if unusual, pop artists of all time.

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"The Essential Michael Jackson" (07/19/2005) R&B Jackson, Michael, Legacy RecordingsPersonnel: Michael Jackson (vocals); Linda Harmon, Andrae Crouch, Paul McCartney, Siedah Garrett, Mystery Girl (vocals); Vincent Price (spoken vocals); Mike Sembello, Roland Bautista, Tito Jackson, David Williams , Marlo Henderson (guitar); David "Hawk" Wolinski (piano); Michael Boddicker (keyboards, synthesizer); Greg Phillinganes (keyboards); Glen Ballard (synthesizer); Gary King, Louis Johnson, Nathan Watts , Bobby Watson (bass guitar); Claudio Slon, Laudir De Oliveira (drums, congas, percussion); Ed Green, John Robinson (drums); Paulinho Da Costa, Randy Jackson , Richard Heath (percussion); James Ingram, Jim Gilstrap, Paulette McWilliams, Mortinette Jenkins, Augie Johnson (background vocals); David Paich, Jerry Hey, Jimmy Smith , Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Carlton, Larry Williams, Steve Porcaro, Teddy Riley. Recording information: 1969 - 1999. Ensemble: The Seawind Horns. The title might sound like hyperbole, but this two-disc collection is, in fact, a pretty fair summation of Michael Jackson's career up to 2005. Of course, it's impossible for two discs to hold every hit single Michael Jackson has ever had, but THE ESSENTIAL MICHAEL JACKSON starts with the Jackson Five's debut single, "I Want You Back," and ends 38 tracks later with the 2001 comeback attempt "You Rock My World." In between is a chronological overview of some of the most significant pop music in the last three decades of the 20th century, climaxing with about two-thirds of THRILLER and half of OFF THE WALL, the album that in retrospect sounds even fresher and more exciting than its blockbuster follow-up. Disc Two starts in 1987 with eight tracks from the underrated BAD, and its second half does the listener the handy service of compressing the second act of Michael Jackson's life story (a time when the tabloid headlines were overshadowing his increasingly formulaic music) into nine entirely respectable, if not earth-shattering, singles.

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"Number Ones" (11/18/2003) R&B Jackson, Michael, Epic Records (USA)The 1990s may not have been kind to Michael Jackson on a commercial level, due to fickle music tastes and assorted personal controversies, but NUMBER ONES reinforces Jackson's place in pop culture history. Unlike its preceding compilation, HIStory, this anthology trims the fat, although occasionally going overboard in leaving off certified chart-toppers like the Paul McCartney duet "Say Say Say" in lieu of lesser-known, latter-day fare like "Earth Song." That said, casual fans of the Gloved One will still feast on plenty, ranging from dance classics like "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock with You" from 1979's stellar OFF THE WALL to the singles that powered the industry-shifting THRILLER and BAD. Among the hits featured here are "Beat It," (with its tour de force Eddie Van Halen solo), the scathing "Dirty Diana" (with Steve Stevens substituting for Van Halen), and catchy title cuts from the aforementioned albums. Meanwhile, Alien Ant Farm fans get to reacquaint themselves with the original "Smooth Criminal," and R. Kelly fans get to experience Jacko croon "One More Chance," the single new song that was penned and produced by Kelly.

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"Ebk4" (06/27/2000) R&B Brotha Lynch Hung, Black Market Records (USA)Personnel includes: Brotha Lynch Hung, Snoop Dogg, Keak Da Sneak, Spice 1, Bad Ass, P.C.O., Triple Beam. Sacramento, CA's Brotha Lynch Hung (otherwise known as Kevin Mann) is one of the foremost practitioners of the hip-hop sub-genre known as "horrorcore." For those unfamiliar with the style, imagine a rap equivalent of death metal; dark, ominous music, and lyrics obsessed with the most gruesome, violent scenarios imaginable. Suffice to say that EBK4 is not party music--unless you're part of the Addams Family. Rather, it's an exploration into the deepest recesses of the human psyche. On such uncomproming cuts as "Split Yo Face" and "Blood on Da Rug," Brotha Lynch Hung delves into the same shady area of human nature that has made graphic horror films a national preoccupation. The fact that he's also a skilled producer, who's created tracks for other artists as well as for his own recordings, helps to keep things sonically compelling, no matter how gory the going gets.

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"Old School Rap Party 2" (02/24/2004) R&B Various Artists, Thump Records

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"Give It 2 'Em Raw [PA]" (05/19/1998) R&B Soulja Slim, No Limit RecordsPersonnel includes: Soulja Slim, Silkk The Shocker, Mia X, Steady Mobbin', Gambino Family, Prime Suspects, Mac, Kane & Abel, Magic, Master P, UGK, C-Murder, Mr. Serv-On, Mystikal, Trenitty, Big Ed, Full Blooded, Snoop Dogg, Fiend, Fiend (rap); O'Dell (background vocals). Producers: Carlos Stephens, D.J. Darryl, KLC, Craig B, O'Dell, Mo B. Dick. Additional personnel: O'Dell, Silkk The Shocker (vocals); Trenitty, Fiend, Full Blooded, Kane & Abel, MAC, Magic , Master P, Mia X, Mr. Serv-On, Mystikal, Prime Suspects, Snoop Dogg, Steady Mobb'n, The Gambino Family, Big Ed, C-Murder. The No Limit Camp keeps turning out more battle-ready soldiers than Uncle Sam himself. Next on line from Master P's infinite battalion is Soulja Slim, who drops it on the world with GIVE IT 2 'EM RAW. Of course a No Limit album would not be complete without the obligatory appearance of nearly the whole clique (a streak which is maintained on this album). But still Master P and his boys are able to strike that happy medium between letting everybody shine on the album and letting the highlighted artist shine as well. And Slim demonstrates that he's got skills on joints like "Wright Me," "Only Real N...", and "From What I Was Told," which he shines on by himself.

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"Booty Phat Classics [PA]" (04/17/2001) R&B Various Artists, Lil' Joe Records, Inc.

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"Gangsta Musik (Chopped & Screwed) [PA] [Slow]" (08/02/2005) R&B Lil' Boosie, Trill EntertainmentPersonnel: Lil' Boosie (rap vocals); Webbie (rap vocals); Bun B (rap vocals). Recording information: 2004. This is an example of the Southern Rap "screwed" mix style.

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"Who Is Mike Jones? [PA]" (04/19/2005) R&B Jones, Mike (Rap), Warner Bros. Records (Record Label)Initial pressings include a bonus "chopped & screwed" CD. Personnel: Mike Jones (rap vocals); Paul Wall , Slim Thug, Big Moe, Killa Kyleon, Lil Bran, CJ Mellow, Bright Eyes, Bun B (rap vocals). Recording information: The Swishahouse, Houston, TX. Mike Jones is one of the most spectacular self-promoters in hip-hop history. In addition to hawking his own records and mixtapes, Jones gave out his home phone number on flyers and in songs (including "Got It Sewed Up," which appears in remix form here), tirelessly answering the flood of calls himself. Jones's indefatigable hustle garnered him a major-label record deal, and his solo debut, WHO IS MIKE JONES?, gives him a chance to back up his boasts. Jones's brand of hip-hop is rooted in the rap history of his hometown of Houston, Texas, incorporating echoes of the Geto Boys and Screwed Up Click into his forceful approach. However, he's also informed by styles of both coasts, and possesses a certain old-school attitude that finds his bombast equaled by a fun-loving amiability. He's as apt to tear it up with the relentless, unforgettable single "Still Tippin'" as drop a tender ode to a beloved family member on "Grandma." WHO IS MIKE JONES? proves to be only the beginning of an answer to its own question, but it's an always-enjoyable record that holds promise for future revelations.

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"You Can't See Me [Edited] *" (05/10/2005) R&B Cena, John, Columbia (USA)Personnel: John Cena (rap vocals); Tha Trademarc (rap vocals); Esoteric , Bumpy Knuckles (rap vocals); The Freakas (turntables). It's easy to dismiss athletes who claim to be musicians, particularly if said jocks are professional wrestlers. But World Wrestling Entertainment grappler John Cena's recording debut, YOU CAN'T SEE ME, is an impressive foray into the world of hip-hop. Rap fan Cena boasts an organic flow that seems far beyond any shtick concocted during a marketing session. Backed by Tha Trademarc, he bobs and weaves among funky samples of KRS-One, Killah Priest, and Eric Clapton throughout the home-city shout-out "Beantown," and rocks a West Coast groove on the thumping "Summer Flings." The WWE champ also holds his own working alongside rap legend Freddie Foxxx (AKA Bumpy Knuckles) on the rubbery funk of "Flow Easy" and hard-edged "Bad, Bad Man." Cena, who refers to his devoted fans as the Chain Gang, is never far from his man-of-the-people persona. The Massachusetts native incorporates crowd noise from one of his matches into the party anthem "Make It Loud," and tips his hat to the CG on the slow-rolling "Chain Gang Is the Click." And in keeping with his fan-friendly ways, Cena released both clean and explicit versions of YOU CAN'T SEE ME.

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"Let's Get It On: Deluxe Edition" (09/18/2001) R&B Gaye, Marvin, Motown RecordsThis 2-CD deluxe edition of LET'S GET IT ON features various session recordings leading up to or associated with the landmark 1973 release, which is also included in its original form. Personnel includes: Marvin Gaye (vocals, piano); Melvin "Wah Wah" Ragin, Don Peake, Arthur Wright, Louis Shelton, David T. Walker, Robert White, Eddie Willis (guitar); Plas Johnson, Bill Green, Ernie Fields, Buddy Collete, Ernie Watts (saxophone, flutes); Chuck Findley (trumpet); George Bohannon (trombone); Joe Sample, Marvin Jenkins, Herbie Hancock (piano); Earl Van Dyke, Johnny Griffith (keyboards); Emil Richards, Victor Feldman (vibraphone); Wilton Felder, James Jamerson (bass); Paul Humphrey, Uriel Jones (drums); Eddie "Bongo" Brown, Bobbye Hall Porter (congas, bongos); The Miracles; The Originals; The Monitors. Producers include: Marvin Gaye, Ed Townsend, David Van DePitte, Hal Davis, Willie Hutch. Principally recorded between 1970 and 1973. LET'S GET IT ON originally released on Tamla (329). Includes liner notes by Ed Townsend, David Ritz, Ben Edmonds and Harry Weinger. All tracks have been digitally remastered.

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"I Gotta Make It" (07/26/2005) R&B Songz, Trey, Atlantic (USA)This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Personnel include: Trey Songz (vocals); Aretha Franklin (vocals); Juvenile (rap vocals); Troy Taylor, Kookie (various instruments, background vocals); Bei Maejor, Michael Me, Steffon Reed (various instruments); Eric Walls, Rick Williams, Mike Hartnett (guitar); Hornz Unlimited (horns); Dave Robbins (keyboards); Stuart Johnson (bass instrument). Recording information: Deep Studios, Hampton, VA; Songbook, Dallas, TX. Any young R&B performer that can get Aretha Franklin to introduce his debut album must be doing something right. Although Trey Songz's I GOTTA MAKE IT opens with "A Message from Aretha," an uplifting bit of advice from the soul legend, the record isn't an old-school outing; this is hip-hop-inflected contemporary R&B in the R. Kelly vein. The smooth, catchy single "Gotta Make It" appears twice here, first as a collaboration between the gently crooning Songz and the lightning-fast rapper Twista, and later as a remix featuring more words of wisdom from Franklin and the steady flow of Juvenile. Other highlights include the charming slow jam "Gotta Go" and the infectiously percussive "Just Wanna Cut." Though Songz is just one of many up-and-comers in early-2000s R&B, he downplays swaggering bravado in favor of a more amiable confidence, and this quality makes him a clear standout in the crowd.

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"Ghetto Classics [PA]" (02/14/2006) R&B Jaheim, Warner Bros. Records (Record Label)Personnel: Jaheim (vocals); Jadakiss, Styles P. (rap vocals). Recording information: Hit Factory, Miami, Florida. GHETTO CLASSICS is Jaheim's third effort, an album heavily rooted in traditional R&B, and also one of his strongest. Don't be misled by the "traditional" tag, however. Like most contemporary R&B, Jaheim's music is deeply influenced by hip-hop, and the layered, top-tier production from KayGee (of Naughty by Nature) gives this album a smart, sophisticated sheen that is undeniably 2006. The appearance of rapper Jadakiss on the single "Everytime I Think About Her" further updates the sound. But the ghost of Marvin Gaye is certainly milling about GHETTO CLASSICS in the form of the smooth, sensual vibe, the album's themes (love songs about commitment, devotion, and family), and in Jaheim's expressive, well-controlled romantic croon. In short, Jaheim mixes the traditional with the contemporary in perfect measure, making his solid third release a sure bet for fans of old- and new-school soul.