Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006) With exceptional performances from Kanye West and a reunited Fugees conspicuously absent — and Dave Chappelle's vibrant comedic presence limited to awkward between-song phone conversations… Various Artists Hip-Hop/Rap R&B Soundtracks

Details Release Date: Mar 14, 2006; Lead Performance: Various Artists; Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, R&B, Soundtracks

With exceptional performances from Kanye West and a reunited Fugees conspicuously absent — and Dave Chappelle's vibrant comedic presence limited to awkward between-song phone conversations — the slapdash Dave Chappelle's Block Party soundtrack doesn't fully capture its cinematic counterpart's joyous magnetism. All the spontaneous excitement isn't lost, though. Stretched-out live-band takes on earthy rap and R&B faves from seasoned performers like Common (''The Light''), Mos Def (''Umi Says''), and Erykah Badu (''Back in the Day'') will still satisfy hip-hop lovers nostalgic for socially aware old-time soul.

Originally posted Mar 10, 2006 Published in issue #868 Mar 17, 2006 Order article reprints