This debut album by the New York hip hop 'figure' is semi-autobiographical, admitting that the lesbian rumours (that every female rapper seems to attract) hurt her, talks about her painful relationships (unspecified) and is plastered with stick-on-the-fridge-type home photos as well as Hello! style ghetto celebrity shots.
But what about the music? Well Martinez needs to take the self-confessional tack because if truth be told she can't rhyme or sing (she tries both). When it comes to female MCs Martinez doesn't come close to pros like Rah Digga, Eve, Lauryn Hill or even Lil' Kim. Can she cut it with the cream of female R&B singers? Don't even go there baby.
What she is though, is a good networker as the high profile if predictable selection of guest stars on her debut album proves. Snoop Doggy Dogg, Wyclef, Jay Z, Q Tip, Busta Rhymes and Mary J Blige all appear as well as Masters At Work's muse La India. Most of these contacts must come from her role as DJ on New York's R&B and hip hop station Hot '97. Yet the station's star DJ Funkmaster Flex is noticeable by his absence.
Sadly though 'Up Close and Personal' is a hip hop cliche. With its constant references to 'ice', 'chrome', 'Cristal' and so forth Martinez isn't saying anything new. She's merely content to repeat the most obvious, formulaic parts of a culture she clearly loves but can't see beyond. Pity this, because she is by her very nature a rarity, a successful Latin woman working in the hip hop industry. Perhaps not to prejudice this position she's made an album that's boringly safe. However she won't gain any respect for lame cuts. 'Up Close and Personal' is a vanity product that's all about maintaining status with the 'playas'.
Despite the A list mic guests 'Up Close and Personal' clearly lacks big name producers, which is why the Neptunes crafted 'Dem Thangz' is the album's best track, though the Snoop featuring 'Ladies & Gents' runs it close. Overall though there's few cuts that are going to get Hot '97 listeners bouncing.
Credit to Martinez for having crack at getting on wax, but honey don't give up the day job, aiiiiiight!
