One Man Band Man (2007)

Producer Swizz Beatz's impressive résumé stretches from the brutal simplicity of his '90s work with DMX and Jay-Z to the burbling cacophony of his own current single ''It's Me B----es.'' Yet One Man Band Man, his solo-album debut, is hampered by the bizarre decision to farm out most of the beatmaking duties to less skilled hands, leaving the spotlight on Swizz's rote lyrics. It's not all a loss, as he does produce five generally strong tracks. Unfortunately, they only reiterate the obvious: Swizz belongs behind the boards, not on the mic. B-
DOWNLOAD THIS: It's Me B----es

The (Hook) Scientist
Is Coldplay's Chris Martin the next T-Pain? He's been making a lot of cameos on rap songs.

Swizz Beatz's melancholy ''Part of the Plan'' samples Martin's voice from the '05 Coldplay tune ''X&Y.''

Last fall, the singer co-produced and lent his choirboy pipes to Jay-Z's contemplative ''Beach Chair.''

Martin will appear on the track ''Homecoming'' from Kanye West's Graduation album, out in September.