Down to Earth

Chris Rock may get the laughs onscreen, but Down to Earth's musical directors are quick to make sure that the music is no laughing matter. Tracks incorporate '70s soul influences (Ruff Endz learned Stevie Wonder well) through modern rap and R&B. Several top-shelf names (Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill) add established tunes to the proceedings; 1993's "Gin and Juice" remains an ominous example of West Coast hip-hop's climb to fame with seductive singalongs accompanying Dr. Dre's lo-slung G-funk. There's also plenty more to explore. Sticky Fingaz, featuring Eminem, set down pounding rhythmic trills to underscore "What If I Was White." Monica and Kelly Rowland (of Destiny's Child) serve up orchestrated romantic pop--a genre that lapses into lifeless parody whenever the grooves sag and/or the singer is too indistinct to rise above the occasion (3LW's "Never Let Go"). Random missteps aside, Down to Earth serves up a dance party for those who prefer to take it slow. --Rob O'Connor