Smith wonders why tragedies (world hunger, terrorism, child molestation, etc.) have to happen, and prayerfully weighs how he’ll explain them to his young son (“Tell Me Why”). The title track challenges rappers to consider how their words are influencing youth. On the same note, “Party Starter” calls today’s explicit, artless rap “whack.” Other cuts question a girl’s immodesty (“Switch”) and tell men to respect women (“Pump Your Brakes”). “Ms. Holy Roller” finds Smith testifying on behalf of the Trinity, the Bible and righteous living, but runs aground when …
He uses his “version of God” as a weapon against a born-again critic deemed as evil as the pious leaders of the Crusades and 9/11 attacks. In general, Smith’s faith seems big on tolerance and short on humility. He considers himself better than others because of his fame (“Mr. Niceguy”) and says he prayed as a boy that people would someday praise him (“Party Starter,” which also mentions beer and gyrating women). Smith uses mild profanity often (even when telling his little girl a “Scary Story”) and cuts loose with a partially censored f-word. Lines allude to drug highs, alcohol and “chick on chick” action (“Switch”), as well as firm nipples and intimate dancing (“If U Can’t Dance”).
Aided here by Snoop Dogg and Mary J. Blige, the rapper/movie star fails to be as universally positive as he thinks he is. Smith has a conscience, but it appears and disappears like pop-up targets in a shooting gallery.
