To know him is to love him. To be with him is to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The man, the myth, the Ol’ Dirty Bastard aka ODB. The Clown Prince of the Wu-Tang Clan has released his second album, “N***a Please” on Elektra Records. And, no the ***’s aren’t censored, that’s the album’s title. Fill in the blanks.ODB is arguably as famous for his antics as he is for music. Almost monthly run-ins with the law, jumping on stage at the Grammys, bum-rushing other rappers’ stages and driving to the welfare office in a limo. Like the saying goes, if ODB didn’t exist, someone would have invented him.With all the extra-curricular activities it’s a surprise that ODB has time for making music. After appearing on the first Wu-Clan record, “Enter The 36 Chambers,” ODB released his first album in 1995, “Return To The 36 Chambers.” And then a slew of cameo appearances on the other Wu-Tang solo albums, “Wu-Tang Forever,” Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” and the unescapable “Ghetto Superstar.” Ol’ Dirty has the ability to be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. So now in 1999, with anticipation high but expectations low comes “N***a Please.” And it’s brilliant.For this album Ol’ Dirty avoided the biggest trend in hip-hop by not having a billion guest stars on the album. ODB controls the mic on the majority of this album. Which is actually refreshing to see the album reflect only one person’s vision. The album was produced by the Neptunes, the production duo responsible for Noreaga’s “Superthug” single, RZA and Tru Master from the Wu-Tang production squad and Mr. Fingers w/Irv Gotti. The Neptunes’ tracks are hands down the best on “N***a Please.” Bouncy party tracks that dart, swerve and weave like Sugar Ray Leonard. Chris Rock sets off the record with his cameo on “Recognize.” “He ain’t on commercial sh*t! He’s not a young DB…not an embryo DB. He’s the Ol’ DB!” While a faux 70s falsetto sings about “Mr. Courageous ODB,” ODB spits out the beginning of many stream-of-consciousness lyrics that run the fine line between genius and madness. Much like the man himself.Another standout track is “I Can’t Wait” which combines a super-quick string section, a Southern bounce rhythm track and ODB doing his best version of a quick Miami/Bone Thugs vocal style. And don’t forget the current single “Got Your Money,” which has the best couplet on the record, “I don’t have a problem with you f***in’ me/But I do have a problem with you NOT f***ing me.”The only let down on the record are the tracks where RZA steps up on deck. The sonic innovation of the early Wu-Tang albums are gone. The worst track “I Want P***y” features lazy drum work by RZA and uninspired rhyming by ODB. It’s as if they were trying to make the worst track ever as a joke and someone left the tape running.The most entertaining tracks on the record are ODB’s cover songs. Rick James’ “Cold Blooded” and Billie Holiday’s “Good Morning Heartache” get the ODB treatment. Off-key but enthusiastic crooning.If you’re a fan of Wu-Tang or ODB you won’t be disappointed with “N***a Please.” Remember, God made Dirt and Dirt don’t hurt.