Music
Music Review
MTV's Hip Hopera: Carmen (2009)
Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Mos Def, Various Artists
-
- --
LADY IN RED Knowles starred in and sings much of the ''Hip Hopera''
Credits
Lead Performances: Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Mos Def and Various Artists; Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Soundtracks/Cast Recordings
B+
Chris Willman
Chris Willman is a senior music writer for Entertainment Weekly
While ''Moulin Rouge'' was ''reinventing'' the musical, MTV modestly premiered the far superior MTV's Hip Hopera: Carmen, honestly bringing the genre into the '00s. Sekani Williams and Kip Collins' clever rap lyrics brim with simile laden hip hop wit while never avoiding the operatic tragedy's overall gravitas. For levity and value, the score is bookended by two bonus Destiny's Child remixes; it's incongruous hearing ''Booty-licious'' right after Carmen croaks, but maybe Bizet's babe did die because they weren't ready for that jelly.
Posted Jun 21, 2001
You Might Also Like
- Music Review 40 Years On: Back to Yasgur's Farm | Tom Sinclair
- Music Review Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration | Greg Sandow
- Music News Destiny's Child's success | Lori L. Tharps
- Music Commentary Must List 2005: Mos Def
Add Your Comments
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment.
If you see inappropriate language,
e-mail us.
You must have javascript enabled to submit a comment.
You Might Also Like
- Music Review 40 Years On: Back to Yasgur's Farm | Tom Sinclair
- Music Review Bob Dylan: The 30th Anniversary Concert Celebration | Greg Sandow
- Music News Destiny's Child's success | Lori L. Tharps
- Music Commentary Must List 2005: Mos Def
