My word, that is a funny song title for a man with a string of criminal convictions, from taking a 'stun gun' on a flight to - rather amusingly - getting someone else to do his community service (let's just call his 90s wedge hairdo a misdemeanor). Also rather funny, for song called Innocent Man, is the choice of collaborator: here we have DMX, who in 1999 pleaded guilty to charges of animal cruelty, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia...
The track, shock of shocks, is a declaration of innocence, and appears to be either several years too late or in preparation for future scrapes with the law. Unfortunately for Mark (or his bad boy reputation, at least), it is backed by soulless Craig David-style beats and takes form in some truly cringeworthy lyrics: "I'm an innocent maaaan," drone his backing singers, as the Mack brilliantly couples "Misunderstood" with "Just from the 'hood" and "A man who's good". The bare-faced hypocrisy is enough to leave a sour taste in your mouth (and/or ears).
God knows what DMX is doing here. I know he's supposed to be reformed but this saccharine nonsense barely registers next to his own gruff, brash back catalogue. And yet here his is, lending his voice to The Mack, who seems intent on protesting his innocence from here to Hanover. We can gloss over your naughty past, Morrison, but you have no defence for this latest crime against music. Take him away!
share with:
