Better Dayz

It's too bad the first disc's last track, an acoustic version of "Thugz Mansion," undermines much of the credibility of this project. When Pac's alleged enemy Nas's vocals are mixed in to appear like he's sitting next to Pac by a fireplace all warm and toasty, sharing rhymes, you immediately smell the influence of executive producer Suge Knight. The second disc is just as dodgy, but might resonate more with new fans simply wanting to hear good beats and rhymes. "Never Call U B**** Again" is a tidy love song that R&B crooner Tyrese complements well, while the title track featuring Ronald "Mr. Biggs" Isley provides a necessary escape from much of Pac's brooding imagery. In the end, the quandary of this double disc has nothing to with Pac but with producer Johnny "J"'s middling G-funk-lite beats and Suge Knight's involvement. This one's for collectors and curious onlookers. --Dalton Higgins