Trials & Tribulations of Russell Jones
The Trials and Tribulations of Russell Jones, Ol' Dirty Bastard's third album, was largely recorded while he was evading the authorities and finished just before he was arrested in a McDonald's in Philadelphia. Suffice it to say, this is not his best work. Despite the title (Russell Jones is ODB's real name), this is not a confessional record in which theWu-Tang Clanman returns to sanity.Insanity is, in fact, a key part of his act and personality; the man who raps about "stinking like doo-doo" has a song entitled "I Wanna F**k" and is now spending two to four years in a New York prison.If ODB's excellentNigga Pleaseexplored his party side, thenTribulationsdelves into his dark depths, confirming his position as theScreamin' Jay Hawkinsof hip-hop. The record brightens occasionally on tracks like "Caught Up," which takes off from where ODB leftKelison "Got Ya Money," but while ODB's creative mania remains intact, the album's production feels rushed, with many of the beats sounding cheap and flat. Clan members such as the Rza and Raekwon are noticeably absent, wisely deciding to skip this one until theirShaolincolleague is free again. You best do the same.--Jake Barnes