PORTLY RAPPERS : * * * * <i> Great Balls of Fire</i> * * * <i> Good Vibrations</i> * * <i> Maybe Baby</i> * <i> Running on Empty : </i>

* “CRUSHIN’.” The Fat Boys. Tin Pan Apple. The Fat Boys are a basically harmless rap attraction, respected for little more than their mirth-producing ability. Their music? If you like your rap riffs recycled, your messages simplistic and your rhythms hard and good-to-go, you just might be satisfied by the offerings of this portly trio. “Protect Yourself/My Nuts” aims its pro-condom message to the group’s male audience, but those sentiments don’t seem to carry over to the loose and free attitude heard on cuts like “Falling in Love” and “Between the Sheets.” Timely messages are swell, but if it’s consistency you want, look elsewhere.