Music sometimes has a way of being prophetic, and sometimes it's to an eerie degree. For example, Nirvana's MTV Unplugged in New York becomes haunting now that we know Kurt Cobain's eventual fate.

That same quality is the hallmark of Kevin Federline's instant classic debut Playing With Fire. Beginning with an intro that alludes to the inevitable fall of K-Fed and Britney's relationship, the album draws Federline as a tortured soul who strives for greatness despite his life's many disappointments.

The New King of Hip-Hop quickly demonstrates the old saying "heavy the head that wears the crown." With "The World Is Mine," he stakes his claim on his newfound throne atop the world of pop music. He even goes so far as to remind the listener of his stunning debut production, "Popozao"-- which, by the way, if you haven't heard, you absolutely must -- as if we plebes needed a reminder of your accolades, your majesty.

But he's quick to remind us that his omnipotence is not all it's cracked up to be in "America's Most Hated," using glorious chimes and police-siren sound effects in the process. His travails are chronicled in the verses: "I'm loony / All these model chicks wanna do me / Tabloids try to screw me / Magazines try to chew me." Yet, he fights on, comparing himself to a tsunami, the very natural disaster that ended the lives of more than 200,000 people just a couple years ago. Only the New King of Hip-Hop could have such astonishing disregard for restraint.

The rest of the album is just as jaw-droppingly reckless. K-Fed cuts loose on "Lose Control," bringing "that hip-hop flavor mixed with a little bit of rock and roll." Federline's utter brilliance in combining two genres that are such polar opposites is more amazing when you consider that it's never, ever been done before.

It's so revolutionary, and yet in retrospect, it seems so simple. The Second Coming is here, and his name is Kevin Federline!

On Playing With Fire, our Lord and Savior K-Fed says, "It's going down like a fresh pair of panties," demonstrating his true understanding of the poetic tongue.

The album becomes truly heartbreaking, however, when His Excellence teams up with his now ex-wife, the evil Delilah who will likely burn in hell, Britney Spears. She collaborates with Our Lord and Savior on "Crazy," singing "I'm crazy for loving you."

Well, Miss She-Devil, you may be crazy, but it's certainly not for loving someone as prodigious as Lord God Kevin Earl Federline. The King leaves no stone unturned, discussing such wide-reaching issues as partying, doing drugs, drinking alcohol, dancing and being a pimp. John McCain and Hillary Clinton, step aside.

I think we know who's running away with the presidency in 2008.

Every generation has its iconic artists, from Elvis Presley and the Beatles to Michael Jackson and Madonna. Our icon has arrived.

In K-Fed We Trust, now and forever. Amen.

Grade: A+ times infinity