Producers who go from behind the boards to in front of the mic have had a mixed track record in the history of Hip Hop to say the least. For every Lord Finesse, who is able to excel at both, there is a Jermaine Dupri, who proves that his talents are better suited for crafting hits rather than spitting jewels.
With that in mind, certified hit-maker Swizz Beatz releases his solo debut proper, not withstanding the patchy compilation-styled G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories from 2002. Interestingly enough Swizz graciously allows up coming board-smiths to provide the majority of the soundtrack on One Man Band Man (complete with superfluous Man at the end) as he focuses his attention on the vocal side of the equation. Does he succeed? Find out!
For a producer who has built a considerable part of his career with a repetitive production style, it is ironic that his lead single, It’s Me Bitches, has become immortalized by one quotable line (“chillin’ in my beamer/listenin’ to Ether”).
For listeners a little wary of what to expect from his lyrical excursions, check out the excellent soulful ride that is Top Down. Swizz clearly excels over more mid-tempo bangers such as this, as the super-producer is in bragging form. While not flawless, it is entertaining enough.
He steps his game up on the dark and emotional The Funeral. Over a bouncy production he takes on a character that is picturing his own funeral, including the disturbing line, “Could it be my mom, trying to kill me for insurance money.” He’s not Rakim’s second-coming or anything like that, but it is a promising change of pace.
Unfortunately he is up to the same old tricks for the majority of One Man Band Man. Whether it’s on the somewhat irritating club-ready You Know Your Boy Did That or the lyrically deficient (but awesome sounding) Product Man, he makes sure to affirm his status in the game ad nauseam. Swizz’s main issue lyrically is his lack of ferocity and engaging qualities to draw listeners’ attention.
One Man Band Man is a decent enough foray behind the mic for Swizzy, however he will have to go back to the drawing board before releasing another solo project, especially if he wants to take the craft of being an MC seriously. While his production talent is hard to question but his rapping credentials are.
Available Through Motown Records
