SOUND CHECK.

NOTORIOUS B.I.G.: "Greatest Hits" (Atlantic) - Three stars

Ten years after his death, the music of the Notorious B.I.G. remains as vital as ever. Despite having released one album before he was shot to death at the age of 25 and one two weeks after his death, the Brooklyn-born Christopher Wallace is still regarded as one of the all-time great rappers. "Greatest Hits," the third posthumous release by the Bad Boy label, compiles his most popular works such as the Isley Brothers-sampled track "Big Poppa" and the base-heavy, club favorite "Hypnotize." The rags-to-riches-theme-inspired track "Juicy" -- his first chart-topping single -- reminds fans of the rapper's unique storytelling abilities and that B.I.G.'s music has a place in today's less-than-captivating rap game. Hits," however, may not satisfy the most hard-core of B.I.G. fans, with most of the 17-track disc containing songs that were more easily consumed by a mainstream, MTV-audience. Still, with the addition of two previously unreleased tracks featuring other well-known rappers paying lyrical homage, "Hits" summarizes the musical life of an artist torn between thoughts of joy and anger, love and revenge, life and death.

-- S. Debessai

WILLIE NELSON, MERLE HAGGARD, RAY PRICE: "Last of the Breed" (Lost Highway) - Three stars

The country legends reportedly recorded this two-disc set of impeccably arranged Western swing, countrypolitan standards, love ballads and assorted Opry chestnuts in a mere two days. You have to marvel at the smooth expertise of the finished product -- but also wonder if a little more time might have yielded anything more adventurous and memorable, like so much of the old boys' individual work (and on Nelson's earlier duet albums with Haggard and Price). But, shoot; Johnny Gimble's on fiddle, Buddy Emmons is at the pedal steel, and the Jordanaires sing chorus. Not much to complain about.

-- Bob Strauss

HAYLEY WESTERNA: "Celtic Treasure" (Decca) - Three stars

Westerna's clean, ethereal voice opens her latest effort, a musical treasure-trove of mostly traditional gems from Ireland and America, with a song that the 19-year-old New Zealander co-wrote. The newly composed "Let Me Lie" is a sparse but beautifully rendered love song. Like her interpretations here of "Scarborough Fair," "Shenandoah" and "Danny Boy," the multimillion-selling singer who has performed for royalty and heads of state worldwide is at her best when her gorgeous soprano is allowed to take flight. And fly it does. From "One Fine Day" and "Abide With Me" to even the oddball "Summer Fly," with its Western guitar, fiery fiddle and galloping beat, Westerna is bound to prove yet again she's worth her weight in platinum.

-- Sandra Barrera

ROBERT GLASPER: "In My Element" (Blue Note) - Four stars

Jazz pianist Robert Glasper found crossover success with his 2005 debut, "Canvas," managing somehow to put forward-thinking jazz in the pages of People magazine. This follow-up makes good on the promise of his debut and then some. Glasper works exclusively with his trio - bassist Vincente Archer and drummer Jason Reid 7/8 incorporating elements of hip-hop rhythms and gospel into original songs that stretch the boundaries of contemporary jazz songwriting. Highlights are numerous, but the obvious standout is the must-hear mash-up of Herbie Hancock's "Maiden Voyage" and Radiohead's "Everything in Its Right Place." No gimmick, this. It's the future.

-- Glenn Whipp

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