Life [Original Soundtrack]

Performer: Original Soundtrack
Engineer: Chris Wood; Anthony Kilhoffer; Eric Scholotzer; Stan Wood; Blake Chaffin; Andy Grassi
Producer: G-One; Jerry Duplessis; R. Kelly; Rodney Jerkins; Wyclef Jean
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: "Fortunate" was nominated for the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. Personnel: Ja Rule (vocals, rap vocals); DJ Quik, Mausberg, Mocha (rap vocals); Tim May (guitar, acoustic guitar); Robert Bacon (guitar); Katie Kirkpatrick (harp); John Wittenberg, Anatoly Rosinsky, Harris Goldman, Barbara Porter, Ken Yerke, Ezra Kliger, Gerry Hilera, Bob Peterson, Eve Butler, Joel Derouin, Bruce Dukov, Clayton Haslop, Peter Kent, Brian Leonard, Michele Richards, Susan Chatman, Haim Shtrum (violin); Matt Funes, Lynn Grants, Bob Becker , Renita Koven, Denyse Buffum (viola); Susan Greenberg, Jon Clarke, Sheridon Stokes (flute); Kenny G (saxophone); Joe Meyer , Rick Todd, Brad Warnaar (horns); Bill Meyers (piano); G-One (keyboards, programming); Doprrell Mays (bass guitar); Alan Vavrin (percussion); Roy "Royalty" Hamilton, Bryon Rickerson, Blake Chaffin, Jeff Vereb, Larry Strum (programming); MB� (background vocals). Audio Mixers: DJ Quik; Fred Hahn; Lane Wintz; G-One; Jerry Duplessis; Andy Grassi; Peter Mokran; R. Kelly; Tony Flores; Tony Maserati; Wyclef Jean. Recording information: Backro; Chicago Trax Recording, Chicago, IL; Chicago Trax Recordings, Chicag; Encore Studio, Burbank, CA; Hit Factory, New York, NY; REcord Plant, L.A., CA. Editor: Blake Chaffin. Arrangers: R. Kelly; Bill Meyers. Since Life stars Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence, it shouldn't be surprising that its soundtrack is a collection of hip-hop and urban soul. It may be a little disingenuous, since the film is set in the depression, but a collection of hot dance music isn't going to sell records. That said, Music Inspired by the Motion Picture "Life" (the "inspired by" tag is one of the great escape hatches for record companies in the '90s) is a very good collection -- one of the better soundtrack-type records of 1999. Its success is due to the presence of R. Kelly and Wyclef Jean, the two masterminds behind the majority of the soundtrack. Each follows their natural inclinations, turning out smooth urban soul and funky, eclectic hip-hop in turn. Fortunately, they're both working with a strong roster of artists, including Xzibit, Juvenile, DJ Quik, Destiny's Child, Maxwell, Talent, Vox and even Kenny G, who contributes a totally plausible cameo on Wyclef's "New Day." Trisha Yearwood's country ballad "Follow the Wind" might stick out like a sore thumb, but in its own way, it's every bit as good as the rest of the record. Sure, Life is a bit messy -- that's the nature of soundtracks, even "Music Inspired By" soundtracks. This time around, the mess is appealing, and that's saying quite a lot. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine With R&B legend R. Kelly as the soundtrack producer, it's assured that LIFE contains the best of '90s urban pop. The mixture of pop, R&B and rap finds artists like Maxwell, Wyclef Jean and Kelly Price giving their all on expertly-produced cuts full of life. Amid the smooth R&B ballads and subtly ominous raps though, the insertion of "Follow the Wind" by country siren Trisha Yearwood proves that there's some thought and inspiration behind the construction of this soundtrack. Kelly isn't just painting by numbers--he's putting together the songs and artists that best complement the look and feel of the film, regardless of stylistic boundaries.

Muzik (8/99, p.101) - 4 stars (out of 5) - "One of the better soundtracks so far this year....highlights are almost exclusively from the Kelly contributions..." The Source (5/99, p.226) - "...K-Ci and JoJo slam the title track....LIFE is also love..."

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