Unfinished Business translates as, "Like, if we could just get this pesky little obligation out of the way, we could get around to more pressing engagements." That disinterest is in the air on the second joint album from the best (albeit sorta-retired) rapper in the game and the best (albeit steadily indicted) R&B singer-songwriter. Backed by top-shelf producers the Trackmasters, this album should be musically bulletproof. But mostly, Jay-Z can't get through his verses quick enough — they're among his least engaging in a while. R. Kelly is better, but it's telling that two of the best tracks, "She's Coming Home With Me" and "Mo' Money," are revisions of numbers from the first Jigga-Kelly collaboration, 2002's swept-under-the-rug The Best of Both Worlds. Better to revisit the past, it seems, than dwell on the opportunistic and craven present.

Photograph coutesy of Kim Kardashian via Twitpic

“Youth Knows No Pain”

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”