“Where Are They Now,” his homage to vanished rappers, works. Rating: Download a few tracks.There’s evidence supporting Nas’ theory – Paris Hilton featuring Fat Joe, for example – but is Nas its resuscitator? One of hip-hop’s last scholars, Nas indeed grants life, but also bores.Nas’ album gels when his wit matches irresistible beats. Tracks to download: Let the waves direct you See Bow Wow in concert at 7:30 p.m.

Such missteps are curious signs that as Bow Wow grows older, he’s not getting much wiser. “Give It to You” recalls a hard-bumping G-Unit throwaway beat.

Bow Wow spends much of the disc tossing off empty boasts about his wealth and heartthrob appeal.The production, handled mainly by Jermaine Dupri, is often as tired as his lines. Yet wallowing isn’t good for someone trying to become a credible adult MC.

But being blog fodder is about as rough as it gets for Bow Wow On the bland “The Price of Fame,” he gets all heartachy-breaky twice – on the bouncy, reconciliation attempt “Tell Me” and the slow-burning “Outta My System,” featuring T-Pain’s vocoderized croon. Granted, his publicized breakup with R&B hottie Ciara probably hurt even more when Internet rumors alleged the relationship was merely staged to make him appear more manly. E-Pilot Evening Edition Home Page Close MenuĮx-kiddie rapper Bow Wow opens his fifth album explaining how he’s dealt with fame’s high price.

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