Notes & Personnel Info |  | This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. | | Personnel: Swizz Beatz (rap vocals, programming); R. Kelly (vocals); Drag-On, Jadakiss, Lil Wayne (rap vocals). | | The man behind the late-1990s Ruff Ryders revolution and the king of the Triton (a synthesizer/sampler made famous by Swizz), super-producer Swizz Beatz returns with his second solo project, ONE MAN BAND. While he acts as MC on every cut, surprisingly enough Swizz doesn't handle all the production, calling on Nottz, Neo da Matrix, Needlz, Snags, the Individuals, and the E. Caine Edition to provide supplemental beatwork. Lyrically, Swizz is one serious boaster--touching on such varied topics as the size of his bank account ("Big Munny," "Money in the Bank"), the envy that his many automobiles instills in others ("Top Down"), as well as his prowess as a rugged picture-poser ("Take a Picture"). Lil Wayne, Drag On, Jadakiss, and R. Kelly boost his ego with cameos. | | Shortly after fellow rap producers Pharrell and Timbaland released solo albums of their own, Swizz Beatz served up One Man Band Man, and like those of his peers, it fails to fulfill its potential, held back by repetitive, inane raps and relentless, self-indulgent boasting. Prior to this misstep, Swizz had been on a hot streak. Most notably, he produced three of the best songs on Beyonc?'s 2006 chart-topper B'day ("Get Me Bodied," "Upgrade U," "Ring the Alarm") as well as her number one soundtrack hit "Check on It" (from The Pink Panther). He'd also recently produced tracks for Jay-Z, T.I., the Game, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Gwen Stefani, R. Kelly, Eve, and UGK. Given such contacts, it's puzzling why Swizz didn't ask at least a few of these superstars to return the favor and contribute to his album. That's what Pharrell and Timbaland did on their respective solo albums, In My Mind (2006) and Shock Value (2007), and that's indeed what Swizz did on his previous album, G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories (2002). As expected, the productions are lively, no question about that (Eve's contemporaneous single, "Tambourine," is a good point of comparison). When the album's rare guest raps (Drag On on "Bust Ya Gunz"; Lil Wayne [whose gonzo verse is the album highlight], R. Kelly, and Jadakiss on "It's Me Bitches [Remix]") do turn up, they're a relief. Had Swizz included more guest features like these, and consequently put himself on the sidelines more frequently, One Man Band Man would be a much more enjoyable listening experience. ~ Jason Birchmeier | | Shortly after fellow rap producers Pharrell and Timbaland released solo albums of their own, Swizz Beatz served up One Man Band Man, and like those of his peers, it fails to fulfill its potential, held back by repetitive, inane raps and relentless, self-indulgent boasting. Prior to this misstep, Swizz had been on a hot streak. Most notably, he produced three of the best songs on Beyonc?'s 2006 chart-topper B'day ("Get Me Bodied," "Upgrade U," "Ring the Alarm") as well as her number one soundtrack hit "Check on It" (from The Pink Panther). He'd also recently produced tracks for Jay-Z, T.I., the Game, Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Gwen Stefani, R. Kelly, Eve, and UGK. Given such contacts, it's puzzling why Swizz didn't ask at least a few of these superstars to return the favor and contribute to his album. That's what Pharrell and Timbaland did on their respective solo albums, In My Mind (2006) and Shock Value (2007), and that's indeed what Swizz did on his previous album, G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories (2002). The relentless boasting of One Man Band Man suggests Swizz was on such a high in the midst of his 2006 hot streak, he figured he could go it alone ? la Kanye West, a rap producer who likewise stepped into the spotlight after crafting hits for others. Swizz isn't anywhere near the rapper Kanye is, unfortunately, and unlike Timbaland, it doesn't seem like he employs ghostwriters: he's fully confident of his rapping ability, and he's unafraid to put himself front and center on One Man Band Man. The album suffers for it. As expected, the productions are lively, no question about that (Eve's contemporaneous single, "Tambourine," is a good point of comparison), but Swizz jeopardizes them with his inane raps, which are repetitive to the point of insanity. When the album's rare guest raps (Drag On on "Bust Ya Gunz"; Lil Wayne [whose gonzo verse is the album highlight], R. Kelly, and Jadakiss on "It's Me Bitches [Remix]") do turn up, they're a relief. Had Swizz included more guest features like these, and consequently put himself on the sidelines more frequently, One Man Band Man would be a much more enjoyable listening experience. As it stands, it's the rare rap album that feels overlong at only 38 minutes. ~ Jason Birchmeier |
Producer: Nottz; Carlisle Young |
Musical Guests | | R. Kelly | | Lil Wayne | | Jadakiss |
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