NAUGHTY BY NATURE, “Poverty’s Paradise” ( Tommy...

NAUGHTY BY NATURE, “Poverty’s Paradise” ( Tommy Boy ) *** 1/2

After its sensational 1991 debut album, “Naughty by Nature,” featuring the single “O.P.P.,” this New Jersey trio looked as if it might turn out to be one of best rap groups of the ‘90s. But it nose-dived on its second album, “19NaughtyIII,” which didn’t have the same creative spark. In addition, the pop-chart favorite “Hip-Hop Hooray” made the group seem too pop-oriented.

But “Poverty’s Paradise,” brimming with explosive energy, picks up where the first album left off. Yes, there’s pop material on it, but it’s secondary to stinging hard-core tracks such as the chilling “City of Cl-LO” and “Chain Remains”--a bitter reminder that in America, slavery isn’t quite a thing of the past.

The album really sounds great, with its smart, unobtrusive production, those snappy sing-along choruses and sleek beats that seem so perfectly suited to the lyrics. With these taut narratives, nimble-tongued Treach wakes up from his second-album slumber and reclaims his spot among rap’s elite. So far, this is the rap album of the year.