N--ga Please

09/14/1999 3:00 AM, LAUNCH
Soren Baker

As difficult as it may have been to imagine, ODB has recorded an album as bizarre and demented as his real life has become.

Throughout the 13 songs on his second solo album, Big Baby Jesus scream-raps and sings with a decided paranoia that has likely surfaced because of his apparently ceaseless legal problems. His high-decibel delivery has been his trademark since 1993's Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the Wu-Tang Clan's first set, but he sounds far more disturbed on this outing. In fact, hearing him cough on some songs makes you wonder what he was doing during the recording process.

ODB's rhymes contain little substance, yet that hardly matters as his fiery delivery and intense imagery grab your attention. Recognizing that high octane is not always needed, ODB added some soothing female voices ("Got Your Money," "Rolling Wit You") and occasional bouncy production from the Neptunes and others. Dirt Dog's second album is easily one of the most abrasive--and entertaining--rap albums of the last few years.