Third World Cop

By CHRISTOPHER JOHN FARLEY

No, Third World Cop is not a Hollywood vehicle featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme kicking butt in the poppy fields of some developing country. It's a Jamaican-made police/action drama starring indigenous actors and shot with low-budget digital cameras. The movie is a runaway success on the island, and though it won't be released in the U.S. until later this year, the sound track is in stores this week. The album is an engaging mix of reggae and hip-hop-influenced dance hall. Performers include reggae star Luciano as well as dance-hall acts Beenie Man, Innocent Crew and Lady G. Here's a sound track with all the perkiness and warmth of a mug of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.

--By Christopher John Farley