'Barbershop 2 Soundtrack' is in 'Business'

Ah, the sequel. So many just don't live up to the hype anymore. So many are aimed at the almighty Benjamins. So many are disappointing. From this perspective, the Barbershop 2: Back in Business Soundtrack is a successful step up from the original. \nBigger names are called in this time around, including Outkast, G Unit, Eve, Sean Paul, Mya and rap star of the moment, Chingy. But what's shocking about Barbershop 2 is the best performance on the album comes from none of the above. Spitfiya, perhaps the most unknown name on the record, delivers the most desperate, energetic and memorable performance in "Make It Home" featuring Anthony Hamilton. This is a cut above most average soundtrack cuts -- most of which just go through the motions. The Neptunes win "Best Production" (surprised?) with their beat on the Clipse's "Pussy." \nEve, who stars in the film itself, shines on two songs -- both standouts -- including the lead single with Mary J. Blige "Not Today" and the retro-sounding "Never" featuring Keisha Cole. The can't-miss combination of Sleepy Brown and Outkast also bless the album with "I Can't Wait." \nBarbershop 2 brings together an eclectic mix of hard rap (D-12, G Unit, Clipse), smooth hip-hop (Floetry, Mos Def, Morgan Smith) and soulful R&B (Avant, Sleepy Brown), which is likely to satisfy fans of each genre.