Pitbull Money Is Still A Major Issue CD

After growing up on a mix of traditional Cuban music and hardcore West Coast rap, Pitbull allows both sounds to influence his particular brand of crunk. Sprinkles of Miami's past also abound on the frenetic album, from the flared-out bass of "Get on the Floor" to "She's Freaky," which recalls the best of 2 Live Crew. The reigning King of Crunk, Lil Jon, supports on three tracks, including the Cuban drum-flecked, bilingual "Culo." That cut is reprised with a minimalist beat on the Miami remix, which is markedly more about the drum than the bass. The most prominent aspect of M.I.A.M.I., though, is its variety; Pitbull has embraced all sorts of sounds and styles, and the melange created makes for a singular experience, instead of just another crunk record.

Capping a stellar year of guest appearances and tours, the new album features remixes of hits from the M.I.A.M.I. album (DAMMIT MAN feat. LIL WAYNE & LIL FLIP; CULO feat. IVY QUEEN; TOMA remixes feat. BEENIE MAN, WAYNE WONDER, and more) plus songs he’s been featured on (SHE’S HOT by TOK, TURNIN ME ON by NINA SKYY and SHAKE with labelmates YING YANG TWINS). Also included on the album are unreleased songs with WYCLEF JEAN (JUNGLE FEVER) and PRETTY RICKY (EVERYBODY GET UP). A DVD component features videos of CULO, DAMMIT MAN and TOMA, plus a 20 minute look at Pitbull performing, behind the scenes and interview footage.

Miami rapper Pitbull asserts that while crunk is most associated with the Atlanta, Georgia sound, the origin of the music is a few hundred miles south in Florida. He contends that crunk is merely the bass music of his hometown slowed down. Pitbull backs up his claim with his stirring (and aptly named) debut, M.I.A.M.I.

Personnel: Pitbull (rap vocals); Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Mr. Vegas, Oobie, Piccalo, Trick Daddy, Cubo, Bun B (rap vocals).

Entertainment Weekly (p.164) - "Pitbull blends raunch with wit with Spanish on this latest crunk assault from rap's Dirty South." - Grade: B+