Duets: The Final Chapter

Hardcore rap is not for kids.

Artist: Notorious B.I.G.
Genre: Rap Label: Bad Boy Parental Advisory: Yes Edited Version Available: Yes Release Date: 12/20/2005

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Notorious B.I.G. actually died nearly 10 years ago (in other words, don't embarrass yourself by offering to buy concert tickets). Also, the cleverly-edited duets include a lot of strong language. The unedited version has lots of sex, drugs, violence, etc.

Families can talk about the phenomenon of dead artists coming out with new albums. Is this a tribute or just a way to make more money for the label?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Notorious B.I.G. died in 1997. Thanks to the loyalty of his fans and modern mastering techniques, however, this fact has not prevented the release of two posthumous albums. The latest, DUETS: THE FINAL CHAPTER, incorporates cameos and duet vocals performed by a Who's Who of hip-hop and pop artists along with some cleverly remixed tracks produced by Bad Boy's entrepreneurial mastermind, P. Diddy.

The contemporary rappers and crooners who lend their voices to this project include Biggie's widow Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Lil' Wayne, Big Gee of Boyz N da Hood, Missy Elliot, R. Kelly, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, The Game, and even some other eloquently posthumous artists, including 2Pac and Bob Marley.

Highlights include "House of Pain," in which Biggie and 2Pac's until-now unreleased verses are set off by a poignant Mary J. Blige chorus, and "Hold Your Head," combining Notorious B.I.G.'s hip-hop with Jamaican legend Bob Marley.

Like many posthumous albums, DUETS is more sentimental tribute (or rip-off? You'll have to decide for yourself) than masterpiece. There is nothing astoundingly brilliant, but nothing embarrassing either.

Content is visceral, with a predictable amount of strong language, sexism, and violent imagery. The edited version, with key words removed, sounds just plain dumb. This is for die-hard fans of the artist only, and definitely not for kids.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some very strong sexual images: "I need u to grind like Ur working for tips" and "And I don't stop, until I squirt/Jeans skirt butt-naked it all work."
Violence Some strong violent images: "Armed and dangerous, ain't too many can bang with us."
Language A ton of swear words.
Message
	Social Behavior Sexist and exploitive lyrics. A lot of talk glorifying the thug life.
	Commercialism Many brands -- from alcohol to cars -- are mentioned.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco References to weed and harder stuff. Alcohol is mentioned a lot.