*** CAPONE-N-NOREAGA “The Reunion,” Tommy Boy

In this reunion album of sorts, the New York duo picks up on the pleasurable path of its spectacular debut, 1997’s “The War Report.” Noreaga subsequently embarked on a solo career when Capone, whom he had met in prison, was incarcerated for violating his parole.

It’s clear the time off hasn’t hurt their chemistry, as each rapper still has a knack for playing off the skills of the other. The sometimes nonsensical, regularly offbeat, always entertaining Noreaga serves as the perfect match for the focused, smooth-flowing, even-voiced Capone. They spend much of their time rapping about life in the streets, but Capone adds plenty of commentary regarding his prison time and Noreaga injects a comedic flair breathe new life into what otherwise would be standard narratives.

These qualities are enough of a deviation from standard rap fare to restore Capone-N-Noreaga to the genre’s elite. It also helps that the duo is backed by top-tier, consistently hard-hitting production from DJ Premier, EZ-Elpee and others. The dramatic beats create a captivating atmosphere that’s hard to ignore.

*

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