Crown Royal (Arista, 2001) by Run-DMC

Run-DMC's Crown Royal is not very good, but it does make an honest attempt to reintroduce the most influential rap group ever to the next generation.  However, the project is quite guest-heavy and D.M.C. makes minimal contributions.  Therefore, the intent of it seemingly got lost in the execution.  But this less than stellar album didn't do anything that takes away from group's legendary status in the long-run.

8701 (Arista, 2001) by Usher

Usher's third album is a solid mix of ballads and up-tempo dance numbers.  "U Remind Me" is basically a more dance-friendly version of "U Make Me Wanna" wherein one girl makes Usher think of another girl.  "U Got it Bad" is a phenomenal ballad and when he says, "Look at your mate, help me sing my song/Tell her, 'I'm your man, you're my girl/I'm gonna tell it to the whole wide world'/Ladies say, 'I'm your girl, you're my man/Promise to love you the best I can,'" it's impossible to not sing along.  The one song that I think was overlooked on this album for some reason though was "Can U Help Me."  The Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-produced ballad has beautiful music and displays Usher's range as a vocalist.  Emotionally and technically, it is my favorite record on 8701.