Mi Vida Loca – Original Soundtrack

Because Jellybean Benitez serves as its music supervisor, one greets the soundtrack to the 1994 film Mi Vida Loca with fairly high expectations. But this collection of rap and urban contemporary isn't nearly as strong as it could have been. The film dealt with the lives of three female Chicana gang members in Los Angeles, and Benitez emphasizes material by Latin rappers from the West Coast while including some recordings by non-Latin rap and R&B artists as well. Some of the more memorable selections includes Funkdoobiest's quirky "The Good Hit," Proper Dos' hard-hitting "Tales from the Westside" and Lighter Shade of Brown's fun remake of Malcolm McLaren's "Hey D.J." Unfortunately, Lighter Shade doesn't fare nearly as well on an uninteresting remake of Mary Wells' "Two Lovers," and none of the R&B vocals are the least bit memorable. Tony! Toni! Tone!'s "Weather 4 2" is every bit as weak as 4 Corners' lightweight covers of Malo's "Suavecito" and the Honey Cone's "Girls, It Ain't Easy." This CD has its moments, but much of the time, it's a disappointment. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide