In terms of musical output and business sense, comparisons between the great arranger Quincy Jones and Wyclef Jean are not wholly inappropriate.

Like Jones, the Haitian-born star has a package of group and solo successes, as well as production hits with a range of artists. In addition, Jean plays the roles of record owner and concert manager. Sadly, even Jones realised you can spread yourself too thin, often leading to poor choices. Masquerade, Jean's third opus, is another mediocre collection of easy hip-hop beats, slow jams and up-tempo reggae tracks. The tone is generally darker, for personal reasons as well as reflecting the post-September 11 environment. Like his early work, there are urban cautionary tales, such as You Say Keep It Gangster, mixed with party anthems, such as the single Two Wrongs, featuring M.O.P. At the same time, Jean makes ridiculous mistakes, the low being a camp reworking of What's New Pussycat. Hip-hop purists won't be deceived: Masquerade proves again Jean makes rap for a pop audience.

Updated: 11:21 Thursday, June 13, 2002