Exclusive review: Randy Savage's debut album - 'Be A Man'
Submitted by Ben Johnson on Sunday, October 5, 2003 at 4:00 AM EST


In a world where most rappers strive to have the same sound, it's good to hear someone who can get the job done with a unique, yet not annoying voice. And, who better from the wrestling world than Randy Savage?

Exclusive Review Of Randy Savage's "Be A Man" (Debut Album)
Review by Ben Johnson & eNewsZone.com

Thousands and thousands of eyebrows were raised when news came that Randy 'Macho Man' Savage was releasing a rap album. While his signature voice helped him get over in wrestling, most didn't see how it could be transformed into a chart-topping rap voice. And, chances are, this album won't ever "top" the charts. However, /i>it definitely deserves to do well, and is an enjoyable listen.

Savage has said himself that he doesn't think he's the best rapper, nor is he striving to be. He just wants to express himself to his fans in a new way. Well, I have to agree. I wasn't necessarily blown away by the actual rapping on the album, but I was pleasantly surprised with the whole product.

Part of what works on this album is the aggressive rock/harder rap background instrumentals that appear on a few of the tracks. This especially works with Savage, not only from an image standpoint, but because his voice can sound really aggressive, and is complemented by the music. Some of the more mellow beats come off as being on the weaker side, proving that Savage is more suited for the aggressive and hard sound. However, as you'll see on my track-by-track rundown, there are some exceptions.

Note: I reviewed this off of a press CD. Thus, track titles and order are subject to change.

The intro track is basically just some filler including audio of news anchors talking about Savage releasing an album. Nothing to note there. However, the first song, "I'm Back" starts everything off nicely. Again, there's nothing amazing, but he does do a nice job here, and this song has one of the best beats (with a rock background) I've heard in a while - perfect for Savage. Producers Da Raskulls really must know what they're doing - as I couldn't have picked a better track to start off an album for Savage (and I don't mean just because the song is titled "I'm Back" - the entire record fits perfectly as the opener).

While the beats remain okay (although switch to hip-hop style), the next few songs aren't as good as the others - maybe because the lyrics tend to be somewhat redundant. They all seem to involve saying that if you mess with Randy, you'll get your ass kicked. It's not that the songs are at all bad, just that I think we all know he's a tough guy at this point. "Gonna Be Trouble" is an interesting fourth song, however, as a seasoned rapper adds a verse, plus we see Savage sing the chorus. But, like the prior song, this seem to accomplish the same goal in terms of lyrics, and also has a weaker beat than the prior two songs. For the first time on the CD, and that's a great thing, however, Randy had a weak rapping effort on the fifth track "Get Back", but for a debut album from a wrestler - that's way better than could've been imagined.

Song six, "RU Ready" comes off really well. It brings back the guitar mix that made "I'm Back". Savage is really aggressive on this track, and it comes off well. It's a harder-sounding song - what Savage is made for doing. The chorus is catchy, adding to what an all-around great track this one is.

"Remember Me" is an interesting song. Savage switches from the aggressive and loud voice that worked so well on "I'm Back" and "RU Ready" to a growling whisper. Again, he puts up a good effort here, and he's also backed up by female vocalists on the chorus, something seen all the time in rap. This one isn't my favorite, but it's clearly better than the third, fourth, and fifth songs on the CD.

The eighth track is the one that all eyes are going to be on when the album drops October 7th - "Be A Man". The song features Savage calling out Hulk Hogan. Despite being a huge wrestling fan, I actually think "RU Ready" and "I'm Back" should've gotten the attention this one got. While the shoot on Hogan is what Big3 hopes is going to sell the album to the wrestling market, I don't think this effort is as strong as the aforementoned two songs. But, it does go back to the harder instrumentals (not all the way to the "rock" instrumentals, just a more forceful sound) , and Savage is decent on this track. Some of the lyrics come off a little corny, but they do work well at establishing the feud, and making the listener think less of Hogan by the time the song is over. This definitely is not a stand-out track in terms of music, but it's pretty good.

DJ Kool is featured on the next track, "Hit The Floor". Since he has way more experience than Savage, I think he's a little disappointing. He's better than Savage, but due to circumstance, Savage impresses me to a much greater degree. This song is backed up with a more traditional rap mix, but works much more effectively than some of the other tracks with a similar background. It also makes for a good dance song, so is a successful track.

The next two songs feature some guitar riffs, but really don't stand out. Savage sounds okay on them, but these are two songs you're really not going to remember for too long after listening. While songs like RU Ready, I'm Back, Hit The Floor, and Be A Man are good and will get a lot of people talking (I know I keep bringing these up but they are that good), these are two of the songs that could be cut as they don't accomplish too much.

"It's a Macho Thing" is just like "Remember Me", only the rapping is not as good. But, Savage is once rapping the verses in a much softer tone, and female background singers are back. This really isn't a horrible song though, just nowhere near the top.

I LOVE the beat on the next one. It is more of a typical rap beat - not involving any of the rock backgrounds that I enjoyed in some of the earlier songs, but the beat is just tremendous and really catchy. On this song, "What's That All About", Randy Savage tries his luck at a love song. He succeeds. It's weird hearing Savage sing about love in a mellow tone, but based on the overall beat, this is one of the few songs with a softer tone that really comes off well on the CD. I don't know if I could see Savage making a video for this song, for obvious reasons, but it's definitely an interesting song - the chorus is also pretty cool, so it's a nice offering.

The final song, "My Perfect Friend", stirs many mixed reactions. First of all, it goes from some unique rock mix to a 98 degrees sounding song (sounds EXACTLY like them, for that matter). I really respect and appreciate Savage's tribute, but with the unfortunate duty of having to criticize this song - I don't like the rapping on this song, and a lot of the rhymes seem forced. The boy-band style chorus makes it a nice tribute, but this is one of Savage's lesser rap efforts. The Savage voiceovers also seem misplaced, but are a nice addition to a tribute song.


All in all, Savage brings an above-average effort to the table, that while does have flaws, is a promising step for Savage's music career, should he decide to continue his rapping. There are only a few poor songs, some great songs (and I mean great for a few of them), and many decent tracks. He calls out Hogan in a song that has already gotten people talking in the wrestling industry, and dedicates a final, unique track to the late Curt Hennig. I'm glad Savage made this album - there's nothing that blew me away, but I enjoyed listening. Isn't that what music is all about?

Overall: It's nothing to camp out at the store for, and many rap fans will not be into Savage at all. But, it will surpass your expectations and is a nice listen. Nothing unbelievable, nothing horrible, just an above-average offering that showcases the transition to rap from one of the most well-known pro wrestlers of all time.

7/10.


I can't belive it.... Macho Man and rap don't mix! I remember meeting him! I would have never thought this!

Ryan