Dutty Rock
Sean Paul follows the footpaths ofBeenie ManandSuper Cat(whom he sounds and looks like) as the next high-billing dancehall artists capable of sitting in the upper echelons of American popular music. Paul enthusiasts still buzzing over his breakthrough "Infiltrate" or "Deport Them" tunes won't be disappointed. "Gimme the Light," an anthemic pro-blunt tune with a tremendously catchy hook ("Just gimme the light, and pass the 'dro") will make your CD player's rewind button call for much love. The other standout tracks that complement Paul's "sing-jay" (a Ja Rule-ian mix of singing and rapping) delivery are a string of tried-and-tested regional hits from earlier in 2002: "Like Glue" on the Buyout riddim and the sexual innuendo-driven "Can You Do the Work?"--which guests crooner Cecile. When Paul goes experimental with lyrics (e.g., he raps in Spanish on "Punkie") or beats (he utilizes speedy classical Indian music riddims on "Street Respect"), the results are mediocre. Hip-hop contributions from Tony Touch and the Neptunes ("Bubble") also do little to enhance what would have otherwise been a more exceptional, pure dancehall album. However, the dancehall-uninitiated are certain to enjoy this like they enjoyed Shaggy'sHotshot.--Dalton Higgins