There’s no reason to beat around the bush: Soundtracks to hip-hop movies generally suck. It seems that most tracks are album throwaways, and continuity is harder to find than S-spots on campus. John Singleton, however, has compiled an impressive lineup for the soundtrack to his Oscar-nominated “Hustle & Flow.”

The soundtrack stays true to the movie’s Southern roots, showcasing some of the Dirty’s finest, including T.I., Juvenile, Mike Jones, Webbie, Lil’ Scrappy, 8Ball & MJG, with production from Lil’ Jon and Al Kapone, among others. The soundtrack follows the typical crunk formula that has seen so much success in recent years: hard bass, sharp snares, whistle samples, racing hi-hats and shrill synth topped with that smooth southern drawl. The consistency of the production creates a cohesive album, though it gets monotonous when less-talented MCs such as Chopper and Trillville step to the plate.

The real surprise of the album is the same surprise this writer got upon seeing the movie: that Terrence Howard, portraying protagonist DJay, can actually rap. Or, at least, he can act like he can rap — convincingly enough to earn an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. DJay waxes philosophical while staying street on “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” (nominated for Best Original Song), and lays his mack-hand down on “Whoop That Trick,” either of which could successfully stand alone.

This is a necessary addition to the collection of any Southern rap fan, and its star-studded roster and adherence to the flavor of the film make this soundtrack one of the best in recent memory.