It doesn't hurt to have friends like
Wyclef Jean
,
Snoop Dogg
, and
Mary J. Blige
. But
Angie Martinez
stands her ground when rapping alongside mega-rap stars like these on her debut album,
Up Close and Personal
(
Elektra Records
). The
Hot 97 FM
DJ is no stranger to the scene; she's been fraternizing with
hip-hop
and
rap
stars and establishing friendships with many of them, including the artists that appear on the album.
Martinez
shines on tracks like
"Gutter to tha Fancy Ish,"
on which she flaunts her quick-tongued
technique and a tough-girl attitude while alternating verses with none other than
Busta Rhymes
. Speaking about hangin' with her girls,
lays the truth down on the line when she says, "Underestimate me is to not know me/analyze every situation/and I rise to any occasion." On the funky, bass-driven track
"New York, New York,"
raps with
Prodigy
DJ Clue
. The album features mostly heavy, bass-driven
tracks, but
's playfulness trickles in through a pair of brief interludes -- recordings of phone conversations with her rapper pals.
then slips smoothly into
mode with the laid-back track
"No Playaz,"
which showcases
's singing ability and some backup verse from rappers
Lil' Mo
Sunshine
.
"Live at Jimmy's"
is by far the most energetic and fun song on the album.
La India
come on board for the
track
"Breathe,"
which could double as a
pop
tune with its breathy chorus and melodic beats. And
proves that she's no lightweight on the fast-paced, aggressive track
"Go!"
On her first time around,
has delivered a well-rounded album that features solid raps,
Latin
grooves, and a few lighter, melodic tunes. In between rapping with some of
's heaviest hitters,
slips in a mention of
HBO
's
Sex and the City
on one of the songs. Now, there's a girl you gotta respect. ~ Kerry L. Smith