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, Biggie's mother Voletta, credited as co-executive producer with Evans' and Biggie's daughter and ...
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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, Biggie's mother Voletta, credited as co-executive producer with Evans' and Biggie'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. Biggie is heard throughout, most frequently with well-known lines. There are some clever applications, such as the use of a Biggie verse from an obscure Aaron Hall track, heard on the slick Just Blaze collaboration "The Reason." This includes some of Evans' best, most impassioned performances, matched with some solid work from a roster of co-producers that includes Salaam Remi, James Poyser, and DJ Premier. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
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