By Justin Lee
Movie soundtracks are traditionally reserved for the moldy leftovers that lurk somewhere at the back of an artist’s refrigerator or musical archive. Next Friday is no different, with the exception of gems offered by Pharoah Monch, Wu-Tang Clan and, are you ready for this, a brand new track from the original gangstas of Compton, NWA–sort of. With Easy-E (rip) gone, Snoop Dogg tries his best to fill in and the end result is a solid track that is sure to please old fans, and make new ones.
Driven by the Ice Cube and Mack 10 single, "You Can Do It," Next Friday is packed with the biggest names in hip-hop and r&b, including solo efforts from Bone Thugs and Harmony members Bizzy and Krayzie Bone, Aaliyah, Cash Money’s Big Tymers and Lil’ Wayne, Wyclef Jean, Eminem, and Ja Rule. However, their respective songs fall short in comparison to their usually-stellar work. Nevertheless, "Chin Check" alone may be enough incentive for NWA fans to rush out and buy Next Friday.