Music Review

MTV's Hip Hopera: Carmen (2009)

Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Mos Def, Various Artists

Reviewed by Chris Willman | Jun 21, 2001

Chris Willman

Chris Willman is a senior music writer for Entertainment Weekly

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EW's GRADE

B+

Details Lead Performances: Da Brat, Destiny's Child, Mos Def and Various Artists; Genres: Hip-Hop/Rap, Soundtracks/Cast Recordings

$LADY IN RED Knowles starred in and sings much of the \'\'Hip Hopera\'\' Carmen: A Hip Hopera, MTV\'s Hip Hopera: Carmen, ...$

LADY IN RED Knowles starred in and sings much of the ''Hip Hopera''

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.

Originally posted Jun 21, 2001

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Music Review MTV's Hip Hopera: Carmen

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