What can I say? As far as soundtracks go, it really doesnt get too much better than this. Soundtracks are notorious for being horrible. Out of 10 tracks, you would be lucky if 2 or 3 of them were actually worth listening to. Now over the years there have been a few exceptions such as Above The Rim, Belly & Romeo Must Die. Now I have 1 more album to add to that list the Brown Sugar Soundtrack.

Just like the movie, this album is for the lovers of hip-hop but the more soulful side of hip-hop. What this album does best is satisfy that need to here Mos Def freak it on the mic. Mos appears on 4 of the albums 15 tracks. [DISCLAIMER: I believe Mos Def to be the most lyrically talented MC on the planet today & 1 of the greatest of all time.]

The album is a blend of hip-hop & soul featuring songs by Angie Stone, Jill Scott, Blackalicious, Rahsaan Patterson, Cassandra Wilson, The Roots, Eric B & Rakim, Hi-Tek, Jully Black, Mary J Blige & Talib Kweli. The current singles include Mos Def & Faith Evans on ''Brown Sugar'' & Erykah Badu & Common on ''Love Of My LIfe''. The production on the album is definetly on point with songs produced by Kanye West & Hi-Tek you really can't go wrong.

So bottom line, if you liked the movie you'll probably love the album. The only low point on the entire album is a re-used track from Mary J Blige, ''Never Been''. Other than that song & Eric B & Rakim's ''Paid In Full'' , the rest of the album is brand new stuff [at least they were for me. And yes i know ''Time after Time'' is a cover].

SonicAmp Rating: 9/10