After the smash success of Baby Blue Soundcrew's Private Party Vol. 1, there was no surprise that there would be a Vol. 2. Canada's #1 mainstream hip hop crew built up tremendous support with their selection of dope tracks and the success of Vol. 1's hits "Money Jane" and "You've Changed". Unfortunately, this sudden rise to fame brought with it very high expectations for Private Party Vol. 2.
There is no doubt that Private Party Vol. 2 is a good party mix, but it doesn't come close to rivaling Private Party Vol. 1. The first single off the compilation, "Love 'Em All", just isn't on par with their previous singles. But, they manage to recover with infectious "Salsa Lady" featuring Ro Ro Dolla & Solitair. Beyond that there are only five clear-cut dope tracks, Dr. Dre's "Next Episode", Ludacris' "Southern Hospitality", Ja Rule's "Put It On Me", Jagged Edge's "Let's Get Married (Remarquable remix)" and Outkast's "B.O.B". Other hits that might tempt you (but not me) to buy the album include: Lil Kim's "How Many Licks", De La Soul's "All Good", Nelly's "E.I", and Eminem's "The Way I Am".
Overall, I felt that Private Party Vol. 2 was only an average compilation. There just weren't enough truly dope tracks and it should also be mentioned that the album features only radio edits. It felt more like a "left-overs" mixed cd than a collectors editions mixed cd. But the album does house several of the years bigger hits and if you're looking for a party cd of hip hop, then this might do the trick.
This review was written September 4, 2001