The Fast and the Furious: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack 2001 Album

Various Artists

Soundtracks are often hit or miss, but this one holds together more consistently than most. It starts with a few passable tracks before Tank and Ja Rule's 'Race Against Time Part 2,' which kicks off a stretch of stronger cuts, including R. Kelly’s simple yet enjoyable ballad 'Take My Time Tonight.' The opener heavily samples 'Seven Minutes of Funk' by The Whole Darn Family. I prefer Faith's original. 'Freestyle' has Boo and Gotti spitting over Dre’s 'The Watcher' and 'Fuck You,' while Fat Joe rides the hard beat of 'Hustlin'' smoothly even if the subject matter feels tired. Unfortunately, 'Cali Diseaz' drags too much to stand alongside Nate Dogg’s long list of classic features. Petey Pablo’s 'Didn’t I' recalls Juvenile’s 'Ha,' except with the hook flipped to "Didn’t I" which is one of the album’s catchiest moments. Meanwhile, 'Put It on Me (Remix)' plays like just another Ja pop-rap cut without lifting itself above the pack. All in all, this isn't a bad mix of early '00s hip hop, but there aren’t many standouts you’ll be returning to. Best Tracks: Race Against Time Part 2, Furious, Take My Time Tonight, Hustlin', Didn't I