Brooklyn rapper Jay-Z joins Dupri on "Money Ain't a Thing," the set's first single. Bolstered by an upbeat, horn-drenched dance track, the two rhyme back and forth about the unalloyed joy of having a huge disposable income. Whether responding to Carey's romantic demands on the poppish "Sweetheart," matching hushed deliveries with Slick Rick on the relaxed "Fresh" or trading rhymes with Da Brat and Krayzie Bone on the hypnotic "Don't Hate on Me," Dupri complements his guests rather than overpowering them.
Although the subject matter rarely ventures beyond the unending pursuit of money and women, Dupri's stellar production handily compensates for the lack of lyrical sophistication. After all, this is a party record--and a strong one at that.
