Mike Jones - Who is Mike Jones?

Who the Hell is Mike Jones?

Which came first, the “who” or the “Mike Jones”? It seems that the MC has made it impossible to say one without the other much like Eminem did when he dropped that infectious single from his Slim Shady LP. Now we all know the name of the Houston native, not to mention his phone number too. Who is Mike Jones continues the bloom of not only southern rappers in hip hop, but also rappers reppin’ the Lone Star state. But it seems that the latest addition to the Texas roster needed a little more practice before getting tick in the big game.

The Mike Jones phenomenon was seemingly built off of repetition and he doesn’t shy away from that in this album. Continuous shout outs of his phone number and name, although catchy, can get frustrating and annoying at times. Turning Lane is a prime example of where his echo goes horribly wrong. A minute into the track you wish Jones would turn or get his ass out of the lane. His album has the creativity of a mix tape and assortment of what sounds like throw away beats from his production team. For example, the hooks on a few of his songs are samples from other cuts on the album. I don’t know if he was just lazy or thought it sounded hot, either way, the style works for a compilation CD but not for an LP.

Of course Jones must emote from his sensitive side with the cuts Grandma and Five Years from Now. Both are unimpressive lyrically but Grandma has production that emerges as superior to the rest of the album.

The album is not entirely without redeeming quality. Still Tippin’ is a banger that everyone can knock their head too and Back Then is gettin’ back at all the people that said he wouldn’t make it. Know What I’m Sayin’ is an ode to Houston’s unique screw music, employing the skills of Texas legends Bun B and Lil’ Keke. Depending on what part of the country you hail from, you will either love or hate the album. It has that southern style that southerners can tolerate, but lyrically it lacks and the production can use some help.