The polished production and sleek presentation of this album; is that a GQ model on the cover; suggests Puff Daddy, P Diddy or whatever he’s calling himself these days wants it to be his magnum opus. Whether or not he succeeds; this is only his second solo project, so the only one we have to compare it to is No Way Out; is up for debate.

“Do you like it?” Nah; it’s a case of style over substance; but I like some of it. Gangsta Shit; a dedication to the gangster lifestyle; and Best Friend; a dedication to Jesus Christ; represent the rapper’s hypocritical mindset, but they’re the best songs. I also like the funny Mad Rapper interlude and Hurricane G’s introduction on PE 2000.

my rating : 3 of 5

1999