Record Rack

DA BRAT

“Unrestricted”

SoSoDef/Columbia

** 1/2

The Chicagoan holds the distinction of being the first solo female rapper with a platinum album, 1994’s “Funkdafied,” but her third collection doesn’t always live up to her normally lofty standards. In an apparent attempt to fit in with the less talented rappers who are enjoying tremendous sales and radio and video play, Da Brat has toned down her once domineering delivery and simplified her lyrics on most of the album’s 17 songs.

She gets outperformed by energetic guests Twista and Mystikal, who deliver the type of bombastic performances Da Brat is known for. When she appeared in the past on songs with such stars as Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri, she added an explosive element. She supplies that spark infrequently on this album. When she does, on such selections as “That’s What I’m Looking For” and “All My Bitches,” Da Brat shows she’s supremely talented. Almost entirely produced by longtime collaborator Dupri, “Unrestricted” lacks the one or two undeniable hit singles that catapulted Da Brat’s first two albums toward the top of the charts.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.