Guilt [Clean] [PA]

Performer: MIMS
Artist: LeToya; Ky-Mani Marley; KVN; J. Holiday; Tech N9ne; Soler Mesh; Nice & Smooth
Engineer: Terrence Cash; Rob Marks; Blake Eiseman
Producer: Armando Soler; Jim Jonsin
Distributor: EMI Music Distribution

Notes: Personnel: Antwuan Simpson, Krystle Servick (vocals); Francesco Romano (guitar); Armando Soler (background vocals). Audio Mixers: Ari Levine; Robert Marks; Blake Eiseman; Jim Jonsin; Brian Springer. Audio Remasterer: Chris Bellman. Recording information: Blackout Movement Studios, Miami, FL; Doppler Studios, Atlanta, GA; Martian Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA; Midnight Blue Studios, Miami, FL; Pac 12 Studios, Hollywood, CA; PatchWerk Recording Studios, Atlanta, GA; Upstairs Studio, Atlanta, GA. Photographer: Zach Wolfe. In the wake of the blockbuster success of "This is Why I'm Hot," some claimed Manhattan-based rapper Mims as the new face of New York rap. But Mims's zip code is something of a red-herring, as the shiny, synth-laden beats of "This is Why I'm Hot" were crafted by the Florida beatmakers Blackout Movement, who evoke the laidback sprawl of Southern Rap more than the claustrophobic, sample-based soundscapes of New York hip-hop. On Mims's sophomore release, GUILT, the Blackout Movement return to lend their distinctive Southern touch, while fellow Floridian Jim Jonesin adds yet another down-home flavor to the proceedings. Though Mims is hardly known for his lyrical acumen, one track here, "Rock `n Rollin,'" features some surprisingly swift wordplay as Mims name-checks well-known rock acts in a series of charmingly self-aggrandizing boasts. MIMS' return begins with the "I ain't in the same place" track, which in itself begins with the sound of a needle dropping. Like everything on the album, the opening title track has its heart in the right place, and MIMS' obvious desire to become more than a ringtone rapper is admirable. The highlights are still club tracks, the best of the bunch being the hyphy-esque "Move (If You Wanna)," although there aren't as many this time out. At least MIMS' Kanye West-esque rap-talk style has matured and is now easier on the ears. [Guilt was also made available in a clean version with all explicit material removed.] ~ David Jeffries MIMS' return begins with a clich�d opener, the "I ain't in the same place" track, which in itself begins with the clich�d sound of a needle dropping. Like everything on the album, the opening title track does have its heart in the right place, and MIMS' obvious desire to become more than a ringtone rapper is admirable, but the highlights are still empty-headed club tracks, the best of the bunch being the hyphy-esque "Move (If You Wanna)." Problem is, there just aren't as many this time out, and sometimes what looks like fun, say, a track called "Love Rollercoaster," ends up a shallow rap-ballad that doesn't sample its funky namesake but does steal the tune's metaphor. Maybe the track is designed for kids who don't know any better, which would also explain why MIMS' spiritual return to Jamaica, "One Day" with Ky-Mani Marley, addresses the island's strife with the inadequate, and maybe even awful, "We will come together/All it takes is two." At least MIMS' Kanye West-esque rap-talk style has matured and is now easier on the ears, plus the two embarrassing leaked singles -- "Donkey Booty" and the even worse "BaRock Star" -- missed the final cut. While Guilt may be a bad title for a pop-rap album so slick and shallow, the completely ludicrous I Am Hip Hop's Savior was the original plan, suggesting that this project was misguided since early development. [Guilt was also made available in a clean version with all explicit material removed.] ~ David Jeffries

Washington Heights, New York City-based rapper MIMS made a splash with his 2008 debut single, "This is Why I'm Hot," by forgoing the usual hip-hop parochialism in favor of "Dancing in the Streets"-style inclusiveness, giving shout-outs to the Midwestern, Dirty South, and West Coast scenes. Coupled with his spare, dance club-style tracks and catchy sing-along choruses, this confluence of disparate rap approaches endeared MIMS's music to an unusually diverse audience. Lyrically, MIMS often mines personal themes, including the early death of his parents and the psychological toll of overnight success.

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