Sir Mix-A-Lot is one of greatest ironies in the history of rap. His occasional sociopolitical statements show he can be every bit as intelligent a commentator as
KRS-One or
Chuck D, but
Mix's forte has always been the type of fun, escapist, even goofy fare that dominates his debut album,
Swass. Though forceful and aggressive at times, the distinctive Seattle native never considered himself a hardcore rapper and is quick to point out that his influences range from quirky new waver
Gary Numan to metal bands to
George Clinton. Ranging from aggressive rap/metal like "Hip-Hop Soldier" and an inspired interpretation of
Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" (which employs headbangers
Metal Church) to his enjoyably silly impression of hillbillies on "Square Dance Rap" and "Buttermilk Biscuits,"
Swass set the tone for
Mix's career by appealing to pop fans more than hardcore rap listeners. His strongest sociopolitical raps (including "Society's Creation" and "Jack Back") would come later. ~ Alex Henderson