By Dustin Seibert

Daily Arts Writer

These days, it seems as if movie soundtracks have no real purpose besides selling a record single. Nine times out of 10, the songs on any given soundtrack don't have much to do with the accompanying movie. The lack of shallow commercial bullshit is what separates this well-sculpted soundtrack from most.

When picking up the soundtrack of the recently released Spike Lee joint "Bamboozled," the first thing true music aficionado will notice upon glancing on the back of the jewel case is the diversity of the artists and music styles. It is primarily a hip-hop record, however, with excellent contributions from the likes of Mos Def, Common, Canibus and Goodie Mob. A standout track is "Burned Hollywood Burned," a militant collaboration with The Roots, Chuck D and Zack De La Rocha, the lead singer of the recently disbanded Rage Against The Machine.

The legendary Stevie Wonder contributes two new songs to the soundtrack along with Prince, two artists whom every man, woman and child should be familiar with. Gerald Levert and Angie Stone lend their soulful flavor to the album, and there is a remix of Common's "The Light," featuring his current girlfriend Erykah Badu. Even Bruce Hornsby contributes what is one of my favorite songs on the soundtrack, "Shadowlands," with a very melodic and soothing piano guiding the hypnotizing song lyrics.

Those familiar with the HBO prison drama "Oz" should be familiar with muMs the poet, who drops some serious knowledge with his rapid-fire delivery. Too prolific for your average coffee house.

I am told that the movie itself was well done, and because Spike Lee is at the helm of his movies and their respective soundtracks, I do look forward to viewing the film.

Being a natural soundtrack skeptic, I was quite surprised to find this one to be in constant rotation in my compact disc players.

This is most definitely the everyman's soundtrack as it suits so many different listeners at once. However, only those with "champagne taste" need apply. Buy it.

Grade: B+