CLOTHES DROP - CD

Personnel: Shaggy (vocals). Additional personnel: Fergie (vocals); will.i.am (rap vocals); Olivia, Rayvon, Nicole Scherzinger. While Shaggy's dancehall-crossover supremacy was challenged in the early 2000s by Sean Paul and Elephant Man, the Jamaican artist returned to reclaim his throne in 2005 with CLOTHES DROP. The opening title track benefits from instrumental and production contributions by the legendary reggae duo Sly & Robbie, resulting in an utterly catchy single. While Shaggy can lean into a groove with his bold vocals, he is also capable of unfurling lyrics at rapid-fire speed, as revealed on the R&B-tinged "Wild 2nite." And, always one for a good hook, he works with a melodic Barrington Levy sample on "Broadway" and brings in a snippet of the Tom Tom Club's "Genius of Love" on "Shut Up and Dance," which features Will.I.Am and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Aimed squarely at the dance floor (and particularly the ladies), CLOTHES DROP is sure to hit its target.