Our look at the closing lines of the week’s biggest new-music reviews continues with a roundup of reactions Crime Pays, the new, controversial-in-Canada album from Cam’ron:


• ”There are a couple tracks that would make R. Kelly and maybe even Luther Campbell blush, and there are too many skits, although ‘Grease’ is a drop dead hilarious example of how this Diplomat handles a lover’s quarrel. ‘Cookies -N- Apple Juice’ covers the same ground but with an infectious, ridiculous hook. Add it all up and Crime Pays is just what the fans want, without any sense the man is pandering.” [David Jeffries, All Music Guide]


• ”Crime Pays also continues the Harlem hustler’s habit of occasionally branching out into more original subject matter with ‘I Hate My Job,’ an Office Space-style cubicle drone’s anthem that ranks among his finest tracks to date.” [Simon Vozick-Levinson, EW]


• ”On ‘Crime Pays Intro,’ and ‘Cookin’ Up,’ he deals references to old-school prop comics (Gallagher) and contemporary point guards (Rajon Rondo), while detailing his life in and out of the drug game. He may have kept his lyrical gift hidden, but he didn’t lose it.” [Chris Ryan, Spin]

Cam’ron [MySpace]