Young M.C. Manufactures the Hooks--but Nothing Cooks

** YOUNG M.C. “Brainstorm” Capitol .

In 1989, pop-rapper Young M.C. parlayed one strong, racy song, “Bust a Move,” into a smash hit album (“Stone Cold Rhymin’ ”) that sold more than 2 million copies. There isn’t anything as potent as “Bust,” however, on his new album.

The fault certainly isn’t in the booming, catchy beats. And he’s composed some provocative lyrics on a few songs--particularly the cerebral, eerie “Inside My Head.” But even the songs with stinging lyrics have minimal impact because of Young M.C.’s basic flaw--he’s simply not a dynamic rapper.

His delivery is quick enough, and he’s vocally agile. But there’s no fire in his tone. It’s as if he were reciting from the phone book instead of rapping about life, love and lust. Given these beats and the quality lyrics on several songs, a rapper with a solid dramatic sense could have turned this into a bold, zesty album.

Another aggravation: Young M.C.’s frequent preaching, which comes across as holier-than-thou nagging. Speaking out against sexual excesses, smoking and alcohol abuse is admirable, but it can make for tiresome raps. We’ve heard the messages before. To make them really sink in, they need to be presented in a novel, interesting way--not with Young M.C.’s snooze-inducing delivery.