Barbershop 2: Back in Business Soundtrack

Various Artists

Interscope…

Barbershop 2: Back in Business Soundtrack

Various Artists

Interscope Records

As funky and entertaining as the atmosphere inside the barbershop, the soundtrack to “Barbershop 2: Back in Business” is a mix of R’B and hip-hop that would enhance any collection. With the movie as a convenient opportunity to put all these artists and songs together, the album showcases both well-established talent and a couple of newcomers.

Almost every track on the soundtrack has potential to be a single with serious radio airtime. The album embraces the popularity of R’B-infused hip-hop in today’s listening audience with almost every song being a variation on that style. Mya has an up-tempo remix of “Fallen,” one of the singles from her newest release, Moodring. The song features Chingy, adding his response to Mya’s declaration of love. Other R’B and hip-hop collaborations include Morgan Smith and 3LW, Mary J. Blige and Eve, Floetry and Mos Def, as well as Mya making a second appearance, this time with Sean Paul.

With no unifying theme among the songs, anything goes for the songs on the album. Most of the songs have little to do with each other and may seem strangely arranged on the album. “Pussy,” Clispe’s lukewarm threat to whoever might want to challenge the group, seems rather mediocre compared to the next song, “Never,” by Keyshia Cole and Eve, a soulful track that makes great use of a Luther Vandross sample for the beat. Accompanied by G-Unit, 50 Cent makes an appearance for the track “Unconditionally,” a love song that’s fit for a gangsta. Sleepy Brown and Outkast collaborate for a unique hip-hop song, “I Can’t Wait,” that’ll be enjoyed by anyone who liked Outkast’s work in the past.

Only one song on the soundtrack is a tribute to the actual movie. “Barbershop,” by D-12, brings the rap group out of their pill-popping past to celebrate barbershops and the conversations that happen inside them amidst the haircutting, in this light-hearted song.

Overall, the songs on Barbershop 2: Back in Business Soundtrack are entertaining, enjoyable and a good mix of the hip-hop talent out there today. It’s definitely worth a listen.