Music Review: Resurrection

By David Brown

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What Parents Should Know
There are no surprises here -- the music is full of graphic images of violence and sex expressed in language you wouldn't use with your grandmother in the room. Tupac offers a good jumping off point for talking to your kids about hip-hop music. His rhymes are explicit descriptions of the ghetto lifestyle. Help your kids pick out the mixed messages and confusing signals embedded in his music -- we hear blaring gun shots yet also about Tupac's love of community. Talk to them about what appeals to them about his language, and whether or not they feel it is important or helpful for him to be so graphic about the world around him. They will probably tell you they just like the music, but try and find a phrase that pops out and start your discussion there

As an accompaniment to Tupac: Resurrection the movie, this album only offers 4 new songs. The previously released songs range from 1991 through 1999 and, not surprisingly, they don't fit together well. The few new songs feature top name artists such as 50 Cent, Eminem, and the Notorious BIG, but don't highlight the best of their respective material. All the tracks feature constant cursing, and most of the objectionable material has to do with guns and smoking pot.

Eminem was inconsistent with his producing on this album, creating the positive and enjoyable "One Day At a Time," but then following it with the obnoxious and awkwardly paced "Runnin." Much of the production seems forced and formulaic. 50 Cent offers little contribution on "The Realist Killaz," which is not about killing realists. "Starin" Through My Rear View" and "Same Song" (originally released by Digital Underground) are good offerings.

Overall, this album is far from being a must-have. Die-hard Tupac fans will want it, but it stands out as more of a money-making scheme than a strong creative project.