Product Reviews
Nick Cannon may well be one of the most famous people on the planet, because like Elvis and James Franco, he s everywhere. To some, he s that television personality who hosted Wild 'N Out and America's Got Talent, while to others, he s that rapper who released that Gigolo track with R. Kelly. Then there s his acting in movies like Drumline and Roll Bounce, but to many -- maybe most -- he s Mariah Carey s husband and father to their children. Mr. Showbiz adds standup comedy to Cannon s long list of vocations, or at least, it re-introduces him to the masses as a comedian, since standing in front of brick walls and telling jokes was his springboard to stardom. The album perfectly displays why this first step led to other avenues since, he's more a natural performer than a natural standup artist. His set isn t honed but casual and free to wander, and yet, this audience is at his command, partly because they get a peek into the bedroom life of Nick and Mariah, and partly because Cannon s an approachable bundle of charisma, swagger, and spirit with enough street smarts to come off as hip. That said, this amusing set of stories told in a standup setting should be avoided by those who are not already charmed by the man, especially Eminem, Nick's nemesis in a celebrity feud which Cannon covers here. Even with the lesser bits about Drunk White Dudes and The N Word, fans will find the personal tidbits, boasts, and inside jokes irresistible, making Mr. Showbiz a better deal than your average celebrity curio. ~ David Jeffries, Rovi