Drumline:
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Release Date: 3 March 2003

Reviewed by Bhavna Malkani

1. D&K Cadence - The A&T Drumline (The Senate)

2. Been Away - Q "The Kid"/Jermaine Dupri

3. I Want A Girl Like You - Joe/Jadakiss

4. Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love) - JC Chasez

5. Club Banger - Petey Pablo

6. Faithful To You - Syleena Johnson

7. Butterflyz - Alicia Keys (KrucialKeys remix)

8. Uh Oh - Monica

9. My Own Thing - Raheem Devaughn

10. What You Waitin' For - Nivea

11. Peanuts - Nappy Roots

12. I'm Scared Of You - Nick Cannon

13. Shout It Out - Too $hort/Bun B

14. Let's Go - Trick Daddy/Duece Poppi/Tre + 6/Unda Presha

15. Marching Band Medley

16. Classic Drum Battle, The

Drumline Soundtrack

Based on a student from Harlem, 'Drumline' the movie is set on a Southern University hip-hop drummer who wants to lead his marching drum band to drumline victory. Initially, in the comedy, the main character faces many problems with his interest of the instrument until he realises that he can take his talent right to the top. Drumline was allegedly based on Dallas Austin's life, during his college years.

Now that you have the background on the film, I can break down the review of the soundtrack. Usually, the movie is weak but you can be guaranteed a bangin' soundtrack, with hot names. In this case, the movie was poor, which produced a matching soundtrack. My opinion is slightly biased, as I'm not a big fan of 'dirty south' rap, which appears quite frequent on the CD. For example, expect to hear new songs by Trick Daddy, Petey Pablo, and UGK.

I am also a little hesitant regarding the theme of the film and of course the CD; the fact that I am not American, it was hard for me to relate to the typical 'American high school thing'- the bands, the parades, the big football games etc. Furthermore, I thought that there was nothing special about the other rap tracks produced. Considering the amount of well-established names on this CD, such as Nappy Roots and Too $hort, I was expecting a whole lot more.

The album starts off by setting the mood of the film, by the traditional American drum roll followed by a song from Q 'The Kid' featuring Jermanine Dupri called 'Been Away'. It's your average standard 2002 Dallas Austin song - nothing spectacular, infact it seems like the style has been recycled. Personally, I think the song is rather weak for an opening track, however the next track proved to be somewhat more entertaining. 'I Want a Girl Like You', by Joe featuring Jadakiss is a sweet R&B, rap collaboration. The soundtrack goes on with a song by Nsync's JC Chasez - who is obviously trying to follow Justin Timberlake's success in the R&B world. However, I personally doubt that he will get the same feedback Justin received with his first cut, 'Like I Love You'. Other R&B tracks, such as 'What you Waitin' For", by Nivea are alright, but just seem to lack that extra kick.

I was thrilled to hear Alicia Keys was going to be featuring on the CD, but was disappointed when I heard it was only a remix from her song, "Butterflyz". Nonetheless - it's a track you know that you can play months after you have purchased the CD, it's a shame that this statement can't be said about the soundtrack. The only other R&B song I was really feeling on this CD is Jive's newest artist, Raheem Devaughn. Part of the poetry pair, Cross Rhodes. Raheem's track, "My Own Thing" exhibits deep lyrics and a unique sound - keep a look out for this brotha, he's gonna be hot!

The last two tracks reinforce the theme of the album and consist of performances by the 'Bethune Cookman College', The 'Grambling State University band' and 'Morris Brown College' marching band.

To conclude this review, please don't expect this CD to win soundtrack of the year, as it was rather disappointing. If you are into the 'dirty south' scene you may appreciate the CD a little more than I have done. The only credit I will give to this soundtrack is the Alicia Keys remix, Raheem Devaughn's work and the fact that Dallas Austin was able to produce a CD with various sounds from sultry R&B to various rap tracks and get away with it.

Rating 1 out of 5

Top Tracks:
3. I Want A Girl Like U - Joe feat Jadakiss
7. Butterflyz - Alicia Keys remix
9. My Own Thing - Raheem Devaughn

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