Backstage

by Matt ConawayRecognized as the rotten apple's most prominent mixtape slinger, DJ Clue's second major-label compilation, Backstage, is another installment of exclusive material that promotes the impending theatrical release of Jay-Z's Hard Knock Life Tour. Though classifying Clue as a "DJ" is certainly a stretch (check out Revolution, Babu, and X-Ecutioners among many for confirmation), he is undeniably a keen entrepreneur, as his star-powered projects are habitually saturated with the biggest names in hip-hop. While Jigga, and Damon Dash's brainchild provided hope that hip-hop's floundering major-arena tour marketability could be resurrected, Clue's accompanying score fails too make the same impact. Like most compilations, or soundtracks, Backstage contains a slew of filler material, and a fair amount of crooning from Jay-Z's R&B stable. While the old (Redman), and new (Lady Luck) school of New Jeruz combine forces on the delectably rugged "Come And Get It," as the crews headlining emcees prove, Backstage is ultimately the Roc's show. Although his star-pupils, Beanie Sigel and Memphis Bleek, rise to the occasion. Jay-Z contributions keep the spotlight directly centered on him with the sexually suggestive verses of "Best Of Me Part 2" f/Mya. But the true burner here is a lost cut from Jigga's Vol.2 studio sessions, "People's Court," as Jay continues too push all the right sampling buttons, this time by devouring Judge Wapner's theme music.