Pop Music : Record Rack : ODB’s Latest Proves Engagingly Distressful : *** OL’ DIRTY BASTARD, “Nigga Please,” Elektra

Those who know this Wu-Tang Clan member only as a Grammy-crashing, frequently arrested rapper will certainly be surprised by the raucous, warped musical package the New York artist delivers in his second album (due in stores Tuesday). But true fans know that ODB (who decided he wanted to be known as Big Baby Jesus a while ago) has been recording crazy, intense raps ever since the Wu-Tang Clan released its debut album in 1993.

It’s just that ODB has grown more hyper over the years, thanks in part to his unending legal woes. Fueled by something that is part paranoia, part anger and part genius, he uses the set’s 13 tracks to lash out at what seems like all of humanity, singing and scream-rapping his way through most of his angry lyrics.

That’s how he normally presents himself, but he sounds more distressed here than he has before. Catchy female vocals on the sure-shot club favorite “Got Your Money” and “Rollin Wit You,” and the sometimes bouncy production from the Neptunes and others manage to knock some of the abrasiveness from a collection that is at times disturbing and disjointed, yet always engaging.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.