Shawn and Marlon Wayans's new spoof, Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, parodies the recent deluge of in-da-'hood flicks, while the film's soundtrack has a loose "Can't we all just get along?" - type theme. A compilation of songs from some of R&B's and hip-hop's most popular artists, Don't Be a Menace packs a loaded 17 tracks. Talented artists like R. Kelly and the Wu-Tang Clan reveal few surprises, but what they do - being a sex man, going lyrically buckwild - they do practically to perfection. The opening track is the Wu's hectic "Winter Warz," wherein the Shao Lin champs spout ghetto madness over RZA's hazy, nonmelodic production. By the end of the soundtrack, though, their contribution is balanced by the Island Inspirational All-Stars' lite gospel track, "Don't Give Up." Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Little Kim indirectly puts Jodeci's wailing pleas for sex ("Give It Up") in check with her sharp, cool-as-a-cucumber delivery on "Time to Shine." And R. Kelly proves he's the perfect renaissance man with his production of the Isley Brothers' mellifluous "Let's Stay Together," as well as his seductive "Tempo Slow." It's when artists are placed together, though, that the soundtrack becomes disappointing. Things just get awkward. Keith Murray and Lord Jamar accompany Texas's UGK in "Live Wires Connect," and the East Coasters overwhelm a weak, pseudo-G funk track. And when Luke joins Doug E. Fresh for "Freak It Out," a New York-style party chant, Mr. Campbell takes too long to warm up. The soundtrack for Don't Be a Menace probably won't help many menaces to society get along with folks any better. But the collection is filled with bouncing production, new-fashioned love songs, and even some old-school flavor--maybe it will at least get the boyz and girlz in the 'hood to dance. - Vibe Magazine, March 1996. The single version for "Renee" by Lost Boyz (not featured on Legal Drug Money) and Mona Lisa's "Can't Be Wasting My Time" - in addition to the classic verse from Cappadonna on "Winter Warz" - made this totally worth coppin' back in 1996. Revisit the Don't Be a Menace OST below...
The original album Vibe review and additional promo items are below...
