Its co-billing notwithstanding,
The King & I
is more a
Faith Evans
release that frequently samples the voice of
the Notorious B.I.G.
than it is the third posthumous
B.I.G.
album. It's a sprawling nostalgia trip of sorts through the duo's relationship, one that even incorporates an interlude where
Jamal Woolard
reprises his lead Notorious role to re-create a lighthearted early moment in
Evans
and
Biggie
's courtship. Elsewhere,
's mother
Voletta
, credited as co-executive producer with
' and
's daughter and son, recalls interactions with her late son and daughter-in-law. The likes of old associates such as
Lil' Kim
,
Lil' Cease
Sheek Louch
Jadakiss
, and
Busta Rhymes
also contribute verses.
is heard throughout, most frequently with well-known lines. There are some clever applications, such as the use of a
verse from an obscure
Aaron Hall
track, heard on the slick
Just Blaze
collaboration "The Reason." This includes some of
' best, most impassioned performances, matched with some solid work from a roster of co-producers that includes
Salaam Remi
James Poyser
DJ Premier
. ~ Andy Kellman