The soundtrack for a film based on Donald Goines' blaxploitation novel (and commemorating the 25th anniversary of his tragic death), Black Gangster includes original tracks from a host of hip-hop superstars including Jay-Z, DMX, and
Ghetto Mafia as well as new names
Ja Rule and Darcsyde. The spotlight track is "This Life Forever" by Jay-Z, a great rapping turn and, as it turns out, a production better than most heard on Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life album. Though DMX's "The Story" is the only other standout track, Black Gangster includes great songs by
Mac Dre ("Give It Up"),
Freddie Foxxx ("Pimpin' Ain't Easy"), and Kasual ("Money Tree"). [Black Gangster was also released in a clean version, with all vulgarities removed.] ~ John Bush