RSSCynics may figure thatWyclef Jean Presents the Carnival(RuffHouse/Columbia) is nothing more than a second banana's attemptto show the world that he's as worthy of attention as femme FugeeLauryn Hill. If so, however, he does the job. This isn't as magicalan album asThe Score--the three-way vocal interplay is missed. Butbetween its surprisingly witty skits, Caribbean borrowings thatrange from dancehall beats to Haitian patois, eternal Bee Geessample, and unpreachy social conscience, this celebration stands abetter chance than most well-meaning rap of impacting the audienceit's aimed at.
Inundated with practical "slow jams" compilations that promise tobring a romantic evening to a carnal conclusion, I was relieved toreceive the blatantStrip Jointz (Robbins Music).The concept: r&b to remove yourclothes to. Professionally. As inBump n' Grind,Dirty Cash,andMe So Horny.
Playboy, July 1997
 | June 1997 | Aug. 1997 |  |