Carnival, Vol. 2: Memoirs of an Immigrant (CD - 2007)

Additional personnel: Aadesh Shrivastava, Horacio Jiménez (vocals); David Brozer (guitar); Andy Grassi (guitars); Louis Farrakhan (violin); Rubin Kodheli (cello); Mike "Nyte" DeSalvo, Dave Clauss (horns); Arden Altino, Sedeck "All Hands On Deck" Jean, J. Thomas (keyboards); Jerry Duplessis (bass guitar); Marivaldo, Lamont "Logic" Coleman, Joe Tomino (percussion); LaTavia Parker, Anthony Leggett, Devon Golder (background vocals); Melissa Jiminez, Niia, Daniela Mercury, Djakout Mizik, Akon, Lil Wayne, Machel Montano, Mary J. Blige, Norah Jones, Paul Simon, Serj Tankian, Shakira, Sizzla, T.I., will.i.am, Black Alex, Chamillionaire.

In the decade since his post-Fugees solo debut Wyclef Jean has become as well known as an activist as a pop artist. CARNIVAL II: MEMOIRS OF AN IMMIGRANT reflects Jean's political commitment in its detailing of immigrant experience, but not without also turning in an album of bright, eclectic, and continually inventive music. Reggae, Latin, and South Asian sounds can be heard amid the hip-hop and R&B, creating a multicultural pastiche that perfectly suits Jean's lyrical message.

CARNIVAL II is star-studded affair, with everyone from Paul Simon to Mary J. Blige to Nora Jones to the Minister Louis Farrakhan making guest appearances. There's plenty of the smooth rapping and pop smarts that Jean fans expect, but the arrangements and production for the disc set it a cut above. "Riot," featuring dancehall king Sizzla and System of a Down's Serj Tanikan, is a highlight, as is "Hollywood Meets Bollywood," a track that features the Southern MC Chamillionaire. minimize