Born To Reign
Even though his last CD,Willennium, failed to  sell as well as 1997'sBig Willie  Style, Smith's G-rated ladies (and family) man persona is infectious,  even when he's coasting a bit on his well-earned rep. Such is the case on this  exuberant but somewhat pedestrian CD. Smith gives it his all on cuts like the  hip-shaking "Block Party" and the jittery "Gotta Go Home," but the slickly  produced tales of good times and wicked women are way too familiar. Luckily,  Smith stretches a bit with the heavy dose of R&B; delivered by his vocal protégé  Tra-Knox and on the rock-injected single (and promo tool for the filmMen in Black II) "Black  Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)." The stinging guitars give Smith an excuse to strut,  and the ensuing bravado gives him an edge he often lacks.--Amy Linden