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