The Best of Both Worlds [Clean] [Edited]

Performer: Jay-Z/R. Kelly
Artist: Lil' Kim; Beanie Sigel; Devin
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Personnel includes: Jay-Z, R. Kelly (vocals); Devin The Dude, Beanie Sigel, Lil' Kim (rap vocals); Donnie Lyle (guitar, keyboards); Precision (guitar); Rodney East, Kendall Nesbitt (keyboards); Louie "LP" Pimental (bass); Abel Garibaldi, Ian Mereness, Poke, Tone (programming); Shanay Reed (background vocals). Producers include: Megahertz, Poke, Tone, R. Kelly, Charlemagne. Engineers include: Abel Garibaldi, Gimel "Young Guru" Keaton, Poke. Recording information: Baseline Studios, New York, NY; Basement Studios, Cliffside Park, NJ; Chicago Trax, Chicago, IL; Rock Land Studios, Chicago, IL; TransContinental Studios, Orlando, FL. What do you get when you combine one of the biggest names in hip-hop with the premier R&B singer of his generation? In the case of R. Kelly and Jay-Z, besides the obvious marketing opportunity, you get an intersection between the two genres that illuminates the strengths of both while simultaneously working on a new paradigm from the middle ground occupied by both artists. "Break up to Make up" isn't the old Stylistics R&B hit, but a new concoction full of Jay-Z's attitude and R. Kelly's vocal power; no looking back for this pair. And with Kelly being one of the original R&B mack daddies, you can be sure that tales of carnal exploits are in no short supply on the appropriately titled THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS. The key here, though, is the way Jay-Z's well-documented lyrical acumen is supported by the melodic twists and turns of Kelly's singing, and how RK's sound is in turn made all the more visceral by his partner's in-your-face approach.

Rolling Stone (4/11/02, p.130) - 3 stars out of 5 - "...When Kelly and Jigga get serious, the results are truly compelling..." Q (May 2002, p.115) - 3 out of 5 stars - "...R. Kelly lends his soaring vocal...but leaves plenty of room for Jay-Z's brash, muscular raps..."

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