Six
To stake his claim on adult hip-hop, Atlanta impresario Jermaine Dupri resurrected early '80s old-school favorites Whodini (best remembered from their 1984 hits "Friends" and "Freaks Come Out at Night"). OnSix, Whodini's first album in five years, the writer/producer/record exec provided the aging trio with new songs (penned by Dupri and friends), a recording space (at Dupri's studio), and a record deal (with Dupri's So So Def imprint).Elements of Whodini's antiquated (nostalgic to some) electro funk creep ontoSix: the handclaps of "Let Me Get Some"; the heavy synth bass of "Still Want More"; the sing-song schoolyard rhymes and subtle melodies of "Runnin' Em." But for the most part, Whodini's return sounds every bit as new school as Dupri's pint-sized disciples, Kriss Kross. In fact, with appearances by R&B; singers R. Kelly and Trey Lorenz, young rappers the Lost Boyz, and Dupri's irresistibly smooth hooks, Whodini members Ecstasy, Jalil, and Grandmaster Dee could beSix's most inconsequential ingredient (it's unclear whether turntable whiz Dee appears at all). And with all the cursing and flexing going on here, it's difficult to hear the old Whodini onSixat all. Perhaps it's a misguided attempt to sound "street"--or else a comment on how much more rappers get away with these days--but either way it's sad to see the old people stoop to impress the kids.--Roni Sarig