Harlem: Diary of a Summer
Jim Jones has insisted that he's "not a rapper," and who are we to disagree? Though hislast albumwas better than many expected, the business manager for the Diplomats shows the limitations of his abilities on this sophomore release. Compared to Cam'ron's slick appeal or even Juelz Santana's unflappable confidence, Jones sounds more like a Dipset placeholder than a lyrical star in his own right. He simply lacks the kind of presence to hold down a sixteen song album, especially with a gruff and rather garbled flow that often feels muddled in the mix. This said, for fans of the Dipset sound--shiny soul and thuggy anthems--Harlem Diaryshould satisfy a few cravings, whether on Jones' hometown lullaby, "Harlem," or "G's Up," with its classic '60s sound, or dramatic and aggressive "What Is This." Santana pops up on a few cameos, as does Hell Rell, alongside Diddy and Houston's Paul Wall though Killa Kam is strangely M.I.A. on his label captain's album.--Oliver Wang