Swizz Beatz has been the musical force behind many A-list rappers hits. With production credits for artists like DMX, Eve, Jay-Z, And the entire Ruffryders family it was only a matter of time before Swizz embarkred on his own solo career. Swizz the Monster as he has coined himself debuts with his individual effort entitled ‘Swizz Beatz Presents G.HE.T.T.O. Stories‘. The joint has been released on acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s Dreamworks Records Label.
The lead single is the reggae dancehall inspired “Guilty” featuring Bounty Killer. It’s evident that Swizz is not an MC but he spits better than a lot of kats who consider themselves to be just that. Along with Bounty’s toasting the jam is being received pretty well. Then there’s “Big Business” with fellow RR cohort Jadakiss and Soul icon Ron Isley. The joint has a display of changing beats within one song that makes a cool backdrop for Ron’s crooning and Jada’s ever-present flow about honeys and guns. The highlight comes on the sampler in the form of Swizz’ R&B artist Mashonda who is signed to Swizz’ Full Surface label and Badboy’s Shyne. “Shyne” has an infectious hook, which shows the ability of newcomer Mashonda. Shyne compliments that hook with his usual gangsta flow filled with metaphors and braggadocio ethics. “Salute Me” is a simple anthem featuring Nas, Fat Joe and Cassidy. Cassidy is also signed to the Full Surface label. The track is a remix of the original, which was supposed to appear on Nas’ Stillmatic album. But it’s evident why the cut didn’t make the finals on Nas’ latest endeavor.
Other tracks include “Endalay” featuring Busta Rhymes and Swizz throwing light hearted flows back and forth. “We Did It Again” is a surprise with Ja Rule and Metallica. This one should raise an eyebrow or too but only time will tell. In the game today it is instilled into rappers to take their 15 minutes of fame and try to stretch it into and hour and 15 minutes. Swizz does just that. He won’t win any awards for this effort but he will make a few chippers for trying.
Every now and then when one throws many musical styles up against the wall something eventually sticks. Let’s hope, For Swizz’ sake, that he has enough glue affixed to his selections off his debut to get that lucky.
