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BARRIO BOYZZ HOW WE ROLL (SBK/EMI RECORDS) (STAR) (STAR)

The music industry–in English and in Spanish–has suddenly discovered that there’s a whole generation of Latinos who have grown up listening to English-language R&B, rap and hip hop, whose roots are as ingrained in that soulful mix as in salsa or anything else. The most successful of these acts is, of course, Cypress Hill, but there are others, such as Tres Equis and Lisa Lopez. On the softer end of the spectrum, there’s Barrio Boyzz, a kind of poor hombre’s Boyz II Men (whose producer, Darryl Simmons, contributes mightily). Just this side of schmaltz, the Boyzz offer easy rhythms, pretty melodies, and soothing harmonies. “How We Roll” distinguishes itself by being in English, as opposed to Spanish, which marked earlier releases “Dondequiera Que Estes” (which also included a duet with Selena) and “Una Vez Mas.” Not nearly as accomplished as Boyz II Men, Barrio Boyzz are just as overproduced, as positive in their messages, and probably even more sentimental. The first single off this disc, “You’re My Everything,” the 1970s Santa Esmeralda disco hit, is rendered as limp as a used Kleenex. About the only tune that swings with confidence is “How We Roll,” but that won’t be enough for anyone other than pre-teens and hardcore fans.