Royal Rappin's

certainly looks great on paper -- it's the pairing of two of music's most loquacious and sexually geared acts, and -- but despite all its potential, the album doesn't impress quite like it could have. A few years earlier, recorded a live double album with and the sparks were more than genuine. With and the declining sound though, it seems more like a terrible blind date that can't end soon enough. Part of the problem is that doesn't have any production duties and is basically dropped into a album. There are a few good moments, however. manages to capture a groove that complements their styles. Still, the pointless covers and underdone originals sink this like a stone. The slightly perked-up is weird and the -fied is surreal. Although 's legend of gab preceded them, the chatter here is forced and annoying, especially on Unfortunately, captures the worst of two great soul artists. ~ Jason Elias