Album of the Day

By 2005, hip-hop fans were all wondering WHO IS MIKE JONES? The Houston rapper’s steady stream of appearances, mixtapes and self-promotion (he gave out his phone number frequently to fans) also intrigued Warner Bros. Records, which issued this 15-track collection. Driven by massive hit singles “Still Tippin’” and “Back Then,” the album debuted in Billboard’s Top 10, quickly earning a Platinum certification. While Jones’ charisma could sell the record on its own, a team of top producers including DJ Paul and Salih Williams seals the deal with some terrific beats and samples. One listen to this and you won’t need to ask WHO IS MIKE JONES? - it’s among the most enjoyable Southern rap albums of the new millennium.