It is true that Lil' Kim is the leader of the pack when it comes to female rappers with major recognition, but Angie? Let's get real, Angie sounds better talking on the radio than rapping. Not even all the stars on this album could save this album from the disaster it was to become. At least Amil had some recognition for a while, but Angie should not even think about quitting her day job anytime soon. As a misrepresentation of Latino culture, Angie boasts that "rap music" is aesthetic to the identity of Puerto Ricans and many other Latino nationalities. Personally, if you heard this album, and are Latino you will even be ashamed to associate Ms. Martinez to the major Latin boom happening in popular culture.

Not even the divine voice of La India or the rap contributions of many major-name rappers (please note that every song on this album has a rapper lending his/her vocals in order to carry the song through; Ms. Martinez is not even credited in carrying one entire song by herself, which for many in the music industry is not a good sign of talent)can save this debut. Also there is no need for all the expletives on this album. Music is supposed to be about talent and enjoyment, not about cursing and offending.

As for this album, I wouldn't even waste a cent of your hard earned money on this album. Save your money and invest it wisely. As for this album, keep an eye out for it in the bargain bin at your local record shop. It is truly one of 2001's major musical disapointments!


Surprisingly good   May 12, 2001
Erica Anderson (Minneapolis, MN)
I am not much of a fan of hip hop/rap music with the exception of OutKast, and now Angie Martinez. Out of curiousity I picked up a copy of "Up Close & Personal" and much to my surprise, I found myself bobbing my head along to the music. I remember seeing Angie in Lil' Kim's video for "Not Tonight" a few years ago and being impressed by her emcee skills. What really struck me about Angie's solo debut is how melodic each songs are which latin music can take credit for. Each song just is amazingly melodic which I rarely hear in what little rap music I hear by accident. "Live At Jimmy's" is my very favorite track off the album. It's a feel good, party song, definitely makes for a good summer song. I really liked how she had both rap and latin artists rap/sing on this song together. Not a fan of Jay-Z but I thought he did extremely well on "Mi Amor", another favorite song off the album. I'll admit that Jay-Z has skills as a rapper but up until "Mi Amor" I wasn't terribly impressed. Overall I see "Up Close & Personal" as an excellent album to play during the summer as well as all year round.