Mike Jones Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Back with a new phone number but the same old gimmicks, Mike Jones kicks off his sophomore release, The Voice, with a promise of a third album. Maybe it's a clue that Jones has already moved on and that there's not much here to get excited about, past some high-powered singles. The Voice actually has three: the fast rocking Mr. Collipark construction "Drop & Gimme 50," the infectious strip club anthem "Swagg Thru Da Roof," plus the R. Kelly-like "Cuddy Buddy" featuring T-Pain and Twista, along with Lil Wayne who boasts "I make her holler like when momma brought her into the world." That last cut finds the guests outshining their host, which makes "Give Me a Call" all the more of a surprise since this MTV superstar sounds perfectly matched with underground king Devin the Dude, like two homeboys sleazing their way across a mutual love of being high, horny, and in Houston. After this, the drop-off is significant with redundant cuts and overdone party numbers coming off as tired as Jones' reciting of his phone number. That "Who?" "Mike Jones!" chant is also in overabundance, but with a handful of highlights, The Voice is at least a significant step up from the man's previous release, the throwaway EP The American Dream. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
If The Source handed out an award for Most Accessible MC, Swishahouse's self-made Mike Jones would be an easy bet. His greatest asset is self-promotion, which would still be the case if he were an above-average rapper. Jones promotes himself so audaciously that he might as well provide a key to his house with each mixtape he sells. He claims to field so many calls from his hotline -- a hotline he allegedly answers when he's not busy pronouncing, "Mike Jones! Hit me up at 281-330-8004!," to any life form within earshot -- that you must wonder if he's able to spend any time improving his mic skills. His first album with major label distribution (after a series of independent releases and mixtapes), naturally titled Who Is Mike Jones?, doesn't really answer any questions, though it does tell you that he can look real good when surrounded with the right people. He hits paydirt with "Still Tippin'," a magnificent thing so woozy in effect that you could be racing a sports car down a freeway and still feel like you're navigating a Hummer through a lake of curdled cough syrup. Here, producer Salih Williams and featured MCs Slim Thug and Paul Wall outshine Jones to such an extent that, after hearing it, you might be prompted to ask, "Where was Mike Jones?" Still, Jones is ultimately very likable, shown best in the closing track, a sweet tribute to his supportive late grandmother. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
'1st Round Draft Picks'
Release Date 1/14/2003
Tracks 30
Label Swisha-Blast
See Album Tracklist and Review
