2pac

2Pac's released yet another new CD. Yes, the 2Pac who died suspiciously on a Friday the 13th in 1996 and who has spawned innumerable conspiracy theories ever since. And we've got to hand it to him-he was either incredibly prolific before his early death or is really good at keeping his mouth shut on his private island in the South Pacific.

His newest album, Pac's Life, is another collection of unreleased recordings mixed with vocals from a veritable who's who of today's hip-hop world. Even if you were never a big Pac fan, if you like anybody rapping today, there's probably something you'll like on the album. Ludacris fan? Try the male version of "Playa Cardz Right" (the female version features Keyshia Cole). Think T.I. really is the King of the South? Try the single "Pac's Life," already playing on the radio.

And for those of you who are still mourning Makaveli, fear not. The man himself is as hardcore as ever on tracks like the reggae-inspired "Dumpin,'" featuring Carl Thomas, Papoose and ex-Outlawz member Hussein Fatal. More mellow songs, such as "Sleep," featuring Young Buck and Chamillionaire, will bring you back to the days when you wanted "To Live and Die in L.A." and Atlanta crunk was just a gleam in hip hop's eye. Pac's Life is great for driving, so pop it in and swerve like it's 1994. What were we rollin' on back then anyway, 18s?