The MC who introduces Eddie Griffin on The Message tells us that no less than Richard Pryor has called Griffin the King of Comedy. It's tough to understand why: Griffin is to Pryor what Master P (who makes an appearance here, on the album's opening song, "This Is for the Riders") is to Chuck D. Where Pryor challenged stereotypes and turned them on their ear, Griffin is more likely to simply perpetuate them. Though there are some good moments--such as when he characterizes church as a concert for people who don't get out, populated with preachers that were 1970s pimps--they're few and far between. One of the stars of the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie, Griffin is a performer with more than a bit of charisma--but on The Message, he simply has nothing to say. --Randy Silver