During the work week, everyone looks forward to the next Friday. It only seems natural that the ‘Next Friday’ soundtrack should be as enticing as the illustrious Friday.

The ‘Next Friday’ soundtrack follows on the heels of the ‘Friday’ soundtrack of 1995. Both soundtracks were produced by west coast icon, Ice Cube and he also plays a major role in both films. The soundtrack houses a diverse array of mainstay and up & coming hip hop talent. In fact, of the 15 tracks, only Ice Cube and Mack 10 appear on the album more than once. The result is one of the best hip hop soundtracks since the ‘Bulworth’ soundtrack. The songs came fast and furious, with a great mix of sensual and bump-n-grind R&B. Most of the tracks centered around ‘Friday’, which made this album a necessity at work every Friday. Artists appearing on the soundtrack include Ice Cube, NWA, Ja Rule, Pharoahe Monch, Bizzy Bone, Aaliyah, Wyclef Jean, Wu-Tang, Krayzie Bone, Isley Brothers and Eminem.

There were 5 really great songs on this soundtrack. “Low Income” by Wyclef Jean, is the definitive theme for the day of the week: Friday. With a chorus to the effect of “…thank god it’s Friday…,” believe me it’ll get stuck in your head. “You Can Do It”, is hilarious. Listen to Ice Cube & Ms Toi trade lines in the chorus and you’ll probably chuckle. This song is the hottest Ice Cube joint since his colabo with Korn to produce “F**k Dying.” It’ll be bouncing in the clubs for sure. “Good Friday” is produced by Manny Fresh of Cash Money Records. The beat is hot, at first it didn’t seem all that impressive, but after a few listens, wow! Big Tymers put down the lyrics with the help of Lil Wayne and Mack 10. Together they flow with the sweet beat, like mountain water after the spring thaw. “Shaolin Worldwide” is the latest Wu-Tang cut. In fact, this song’s beat is truly impressive and arguably could be the best Wu-Tang production since their debut album. “We Murderers Baby” introduces the listener to Ja Rule’s sidekick, Vita. She exuberates her gangsta style with this upbeat murderer theme. Also, “Livin It Up” features Pharoahe Monch’s slippery smooth lyricism that has gained him much recognition. Most notable is “Chin Check”, the first single from the recently re-united N.W.A. Snoop Dogg is set to replace the group’s founder, the late Eazy-E, and throws down dope verses with members, Dr Dre, Ice Cube & MC Ren. This song is a little weak, but is a sign of better things to come.

Overall, this soundtrack was really impressive. It featured some great songs, many big name artists, and housed a great diversity of gangsta rap, hip hop and R&B. As far as rap soundtracks go, they don’t get much better than this. If you’re looking to pick up a great hip hop soundtrack, then look no further than the “Next Friday” soundtrack.

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(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written December 21, 1999