Back in the day (several years ago now) you used to be able to count on the Baby Blue Soundcrew for a jam where you could hear all of the hottest tunes. This was a crew known for breaking hot tunes that you couldn't hear anywhere else. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line that all switched up, and now Baby Blue is just another tin pan sound pushing mediocre commercial "hits." Now they release their first major label mixed CD, the Private Party Collectors Edition. This would be an OK collection in the clubs or to dance to, but is woefully lacking in substance.

The compilation begins with "You Owe Me," another lackluster effort from Nastradamus (as distinct from Mr. Illmatic Nas) with help from Ginuwine. Da Brat and Tyrese's "What Chu Like," is equally tired and generic - as is Sisqo's "Got To Get It." The big surprise of the album is next as Baby Blue tries their hand at production featuring Kardinal Offishall, Sean Paul and Jully Black. I'm not exactly sure how you have a song including Kardi and not have it hot to death, but they managed to do it. It's too bad, because some of the Baby Blue's production is alright still, but this one is just straight boring. Red and Meth's "Rockwilder" is next - always a banger. Montell Jordan brings boring ass one flow LL Cool J to try to revitalize "Get It On Tonight." I liked the non rapping version better - but not that much.

On again, off again (now off again) group Guy's "Dancin'" isn't too bad, but neither does it particularly stand out. Superproducers of the minute, the Neptunes remix Angie Stone's "Everyday" in their trademark bouncy fashion. This one works quite nicely, setting up "Still Dre" nicely. T-dot's own Ghetto Concept flow over a much better Baby Blue produced track on "Too Much." This track, while still not exceptional, is hopefully a much better indicator of what the crew is capable of. DMX brings his now tired trademark flow and screams all over "What's My Name. The CD then flips into some reggae for a minute - featuring Baby Cham and Bounty Killer's "Another Level," Sean Paul's "Check It Deeply," "She's A Ho" by Mr. Vegas and "Crazy Notion" from Beenie Man. Not a bad reggae set still.

From there, the mix takes a decided turn from the worse. A mini bullshit mega mix follows - "I Need a Hot Girl" from the Hot Boys, "Back That Thang Up," and "Wobble Wobble" are nothing but low quality crap. They could have found SOMETHING else for filler. There are lots of talented artists in the south, why bang Master P and Cash Money? The queen blesses us with "Sincerity," which would have been better without the less than shining appearances from arf-boy DMX and yet another dumbed down delivery from Nas. Giving some Canadian R&B some shine, Baby Blue produces a tight track for Glenn Lewis. Too bad the lyrics are so cliche and lackluster. Saukrates appears twice in the next three tunes, sandwiching Q-Tip's disappointing "Let's Ride" with "Something to Love" and "You've Changed" with Ro Ro Dolla. Don't sleep on Big Sox - a very talented musician in many senses of the word. The album is closed out by Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel and Amil with "Do It Again."

The album is supposed to be 100% DJ mixed, but the mixing really isn't all that good. It must be hard considering they can only get the rights to certain songs, but still, I've heard better.

Primarily made to shake your rear, there's not that much standout music on this offering, but make sure you get a good listen to "You've Changed," "Too Much," plus the always hot (and too short) "Da Rockwilder."

It's too bad certain songs can't be banished to the inside of clubs. This album could be OK at a party (as long as the horrible Cash Money/No Limit stretch is programmed out), but really isn't worth your hard earned dollars to buy for the few really good tracks.