Mystikal’s debut album (released on a small indie label) was a high-energy showcase for the rapper’s dynamic, ever-changing flow. In one phrase, Mystikal would go from a whisper to a growl to a scream and back again.

His delivery would switch from rapid-fire to deliberately rhythmic to sing-song. His entertaining flow, combined with witty, accurate punch-lines, made him New Orleans’ first rapper to gain nationwide respect for his skill as an MC. Unfortunately, aside from one or two songs, Ghetto Fabulous features little evidence of Mystikal’s lyrical versatility.

The biggest problem with Ghetto Fabulous is that it follows too closely the now familiar No Limit formula. The average No Limit release is a predictable, paint-by-numbers affair. The No limit “soldier” of the moment gets the Pen & Pixel-generated cover shot and about half of the airtime.

Various other “soldiers’ are given a minute or two here or there. The “colonel” himself shows up on one or two tracks. The right side of the back cover features the gold and diamond tank logo and the never changing tag-“Executive Producer: Master P.” Voila-another No Limit gold or platinum seller.

This cookie-cutter mentality practically ensures success for P’s lesser known rappers (they often sell 500,000-plus copies). It also practically ensures burnout for P’s better known rappers. In interviews, Mystikal has even admitted that it is tough to come up with verses for each of the endless parade of No Limit releases and try to come up with enough interesting material for his own albums.

On the first single from Ghetto Fabulous, “That’s the Nigga,” Mystikal addresses this issue, saying, “I don’t need nine or ten niggas rappin’ with me/I’m independent.” Nonetheless, true to the No Limit blueprint Ghetto Fabulous features no less than ten guest rappers-among them, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Silkk the Shocker and, of course, Master P himself. All the guest appearances make Mystikal’s album sound like just another No Limit release – a compilation instead of a cohesive album.

For No Limit’s virtual army of fans, “just another No Limit release” will be good enough by far. But if you’re interested in the best of Mystikal, pick up his No Limit debut Unpredictable, or, better yet, his first album (remixed and renamed Mind of Mystikal). Ghetto Fabulous features too much No Limit formula and not enough Mystikal.