Wyclef Jean — The Preacher’s Son

Hallelujah! Son of a preacher man Wyclef Jean has finally stopped pretending he is a talented rapper. Ostensibly more comfortable singing, producing, arranging and strumming his guitar, ‘Clef’s latest long-player is his most laid-back, most R&B-ified to date, and depending on what you’re into, this is a good or a bad thing.

If you’re more D’Angelo than DMX, you’ll probably light a few candles, throw this on and have some friends over to drink red wine and talk about relationships. If you’re the other way, you’ll probably smash this CD against a brick wall and then knife someone in the face because that’s how you be keeping it in these streets. The song "Industry" deftly accounts hip-hop’s latest dramas ("The clubber never thought Shine shot the gun/but in the limousine J.Lo had to run.") and "Party To Damascus" featuring Missy Elliott is another standout.

With additional guests Patti LaBelle, a barely-registering Redman, Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Scarface, Rah Digga and Prodigy among others, the slightly watery yet organic Preacher’s Son can’t please everyone, but damned if it doesn’t try.

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