The Definitive Ol' Dirty Bastard Story [PA] (CD - 2005)

Additional personnel: Kelis, Mariah Carey (vocals); Lil' Mo, Prakazrel "Pras" Michel (rap vocals); Mya.

By 2005, the number of Ol' Dirty Bastard compilations almost outnumbered his official studio releases, building the already larger-than-life myth of the late hip-hop legend. THE DEFINITIVE OL' DIRTY BASTARD STORY is comprehensive enough to put the kibosh on further milking of the former Wu-Tanger's name. A double-disc set (the second of which is a DVD containing videos and an interview), THE DEFINITIVE brings together the brightest moments from ODB's two solo releases (RETURN TO THE 36 CHAMBERS: THE DIRTY STORY and NIGGA PLEASE), and adds single versions, B-sides, Pras's "Ghetto Supastar" (with a prominent ODB cameo), and a remix of the Mariah Carey/ODB duet "Fantasy."

ODB's flair for drama, drugs, and endless legal complications sometimes overshadowed his talents as a rapper, which is a shame. At his sharpest, he unfurled a surreal style blending comedy, street-thug menace, verbal playfulness, and vocal gymnastics in an utterly imaginative way. Hip-hop heads will want to own the individual albums, but THE DEFINITIVE's mix of essential album tracks, bonus features, and a well annotated booklet full of photos and shout-outs from his Wu-Tang brethren offers a superb overview of this wild, sui generis rapper. minimize