Search - Sir Mix a Lot :: Swass

A Classic Old School Rap Album, But A Flawed Reissue...

Eric C. Baur | Owensboro, KY USA | 10/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Unfortunately, many people have pigeon-holed Sir Mix-A-Lot as a "Weird Al" style rapper who busts rhymes about big butts and buttermilk biscuits. Sadly, this just isn't true. Swass is a pristine example of old-school rap that was just starting to become mainstream when this ablum was initally released. As well, Mix-A-Lot helped bring Seattle to the rap mainstream when most artists were based either in New York or L.A.



I must admit that Swass is one of my favorite rap albums ever. Each song has it's own individual flavor. And although the subject matter (i.e. Biscuits, etc.) may be stupid by today's standards, the rhymes still flow nicely and are well thought-out. However, this reissue has a serious flaw that simply cannot be overlooked. The version of "Rippin'" contained on this release has been remixed and it isn't good. Although the primary beat is the same, it seems that Mix-A-Lot completely re-rapped the song to try and update it with "hipper" language. It doesn't flow well and pretty much ruins the song. This is huge because Rippin' was one of the great standout singles (along with Posse on Broadway and Buttermilk Biscuits) on Swass. What makes this even more perplexing is that none of the other songs on this reissue have been touched.



So in the end, it turns out that Swass is still a classic example of old school rap. However, if you are looking for the original version of the song Rippin', skip this reissue and go try and buy the original release in a used record store."

One of the best ever. Please forgive 'Baby Got Back'

T. L. Krueger | Milwaukee WI | 11/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK so it almost 2006 and this last weekend I am still trying to convince some stranger that this was one of the best hip-hop albums ever made. I dont know why, its not as socially responsible as Public Enemy, it doesn't flow like A Tribe Called Quest, and it doesn't jam like Jurassic 5, BUT ITS DAMN GOOD! I DON'T KNOW WHY. I remember trying to convince someone back in 1988 how good this album was as they nodded their head to the racy lyrics of Too Short. I am gonna keep trying Mix-a-lot.

FYI - I made sure this CD was playing when my first son was born - well at least on the way to the hospital."

Sir Mix-A-Lot - Swass

Tha Realest | Greensburg, PA USA | 09/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sir Mix-A-Lot burst out onto the scene with his debut release, "Swass." Stemming such singles as "Square Dance Rap" and "Posse on Broadway", Mix definitely brings some new style to the game. This album went on to sell over 1.7 million copies.



1. Buttermilk Biscuits (Keep on Square Dancin') (Featuring Kid Sensation) - Kid Sensation Solo - 3.5/5



2. Posse on Broadway - 4.5/5



3. Gold - 4.5/5



4. Swass - 5/5



5. Rippin' (Featuring Kid Sensation) - 4.5/5



6. Attack on the Stars - 4/5



7. Mall Dropper (Interlude) - No Rating



8. Hip Hop Soldier - 4.5/5



9. Iron Man (Featuring Metal Church) - 5/5



10. Bremelo - 3/5



11. Square Dance Rap (Featuring Kid Sensation) - 4/5



12. Romantic (Interlude) - No Rating



13. F the BS - 4/5



Overall:



46.5/55



4.5 Stars



Very solid debut from Sir Mix. Most of the tracks have a very old school feel to them which is great. There's only two tracks I don't care for but the rest of the album is great."