Crazy Like A Foxx
Jamie Foxx
Unpredictable
(J)
O.K., so nothing could be more predictable than Jamie Foxx’s choice of R&B, but c’mon: at least he’s not Jennifer Lopez.
Some of the worst albums in pop history have been made by actors crossing over, but I wouldn’t cram Foxx into that category. Far from ultra clean Will Smith — now safe for caucasions — Foxx is determined to retain his blackness, no matter how bland the slow jam. In fact, if there’s a bigger influence on his decision than Ray — as opposed to Ray Charles the man, since Foxx has as much grit as a Pampers commercial — it’s his relationship with Chicago (“Slow Jamz,” “Gold Digger”) yielding appearances here by Twista, Kanye West, and Common. Armed, Foxx never embarasses himself — never more than Brian McKnight, Dru Hill, or R. Kelly anyway — and plays it predictably safe. “With You” finds Snoop Dogg continuing to drive “Drop It Like It’s Hot” into the ground, otherwise you’re padding Foxx’s account. Better his than 50 Cent’s at the box office.
— Steve Forstneger
