Lost and Found (by Will Smith, Rap)

LOST AND FOUND is Will Smith's ninth CD, and the strongest in quite a while. There are some universal themes and well-told, along with some all-star assists from the likes of Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, Treezah, Robin Thicke, and Nicole Scherzinger.

With the sharp wit we remember from songs like "Parents Just Don't Understand," he takes on the perceived injustices of his personal world with an irresistible combination of a rapper's standard-issue self-importance and self-deprecating humor. The only problem is that his world is very different from ours. Most of us don't have to deal with celebrity stalkers ("Loretta"), harder-core rappers accusing us of being too "nice" or selling out ("Mr. Niceguy"), or a rock star's professional jealousy ("I Wish I Made That").

Smith has been honing his comic-rhyming timing, and seems to gleefully embrace this opportunity to settle a few scores. Musical treats include lovely symphonic strings on the title song, and exquisite production -- and playing -- throughout. Though he sometimes hits us over the head with his message, the message itself seems sincere, a look inside the heart and mind of a charming, witty pro who is also a genuinely nice guy.