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Hotshot

Artist: Shaggy
Genre: Pop
Year: 2000
Rating: 6.5 / 10

Shaggy first burst onto the pop scene in 1995 with his dance hit, "Boombastic," and fans have been waiting for an encore ever since. His 2000 release, Hotshot, is just such an encore, even if its fame was achieved in an unusual fashion. "It Wasn't Me" might be Shaggy's most successful song to date, but it was not even released by his record label until the song took on a life of its own. Springing up on radio stations in Hawaii and up and down the Pacific Ocean, "It Wasn't Me" launched Shaggy to the top of the pop charts once again. It also brought some much-needed attention to what is a very solid reggae-flavored pop album.

Hotshot is an enjoyable blend of catchy lyrics, soulful beats, and impressive guest stars. Shaggy knows enough to stick to what he does best, which usually involves his trademark rapid-fire verses. "It Wasn't Me" tells the tale of a two-timing fellow who is caught, quite literally, with his pants down. Oddly enough, Shaggy is able to treat this subject with just the right amount of playfulness. The chorus riffs through the offending parties implausible lies and flat-out denials, all the while bouncing along to a hopping beat. Infidelity may never be looked at in quite the same way again.

The album's highlight, however, is "Angel," an urban blend of golden oldie "Angel of the Morning" and Steve Miller's "The Joker." I must admit that I am a little partial to the following snazzy excerpt: "Closer than my peeps you are to me." The song is warm, heartfelt, and mixes Rayvon's smooth choruses with Shaggy's distinctive style. If "Angel" does not rule this roost, "La Chica Bonita," a bonus track tossed onto the end of the CD, might well be declared the winner. Partnering with RikRok, Shaggy dishes out a jumpy romantic number, alternating between Spanish and English.

"Hope" and "Luv Me, Luv Me" add more punch to Hotshot, and while the rest of the album is not up to such high standards, the album features a number of easy listening tunes. It seems strange to talk about the suggestive lyrics in some of Shaggy's songs, especially in an era when rappers like Eminem sit perched atop the Billboard charts. Shaggy does dabble in the sexual universe, but he always keeps a light edge to his music. Will Hotshot be revered years from now? Not likely, but for some entertaining pop with pleasing hooks, Hotshot is just the treat for fans today.

Submitted 2/2/01.