Talk about going way back, this is a man I covered way before I started my website. Back when I did YouTube interviews and ran all my reviews via Facebook. Now, after many years and switching up my platform, I figured it’s only right to go back and re visit an artist I fucked with heavily!
This is the brand-new record by MC Jean P. The MC with production from a variety of sources such as
-Wakko
-Trumaine Jordan
-LAKIM
-Trade Voorhees
And features the likes of
-Todd Zack Jr
-Rrama
-llora Skye
Right off the bat, the same feelings of excitement came back from what I felt on his last record. The thing that has always had Jean stand out to me was the way he’s able to make his production pop and sound as lively as possible! The producers he brings to tapes make the music that’s colourful, bright, and engaging, and it’s beautiful to hear!
Coming with a variety of influences from
-Jazz
-Soul
-90’s Hip Hop
-Alternative Art Hop
And it’s not just that he’s choosing a certain variety of sounds; it’s the fact that they are able to have them presented so cinematically, theatrically, and surreal in presentation.
For me, no track screams those points more than ‘Olivia’. For me, that hit every point with that gorgeous jazz horns and light drums. It’s so minimal yet so fucking atmospheric in nature, the kind of beat I’d love to hear for hours and never get sick of!
As expected from Jean, across this record, it’s got a few skits scattered throughout the track as he presents his introspective ideas, social commentary, and just thoughts in general. I’m normally not a fan of skits (something I’ve been very honest with over the years), but across this album, it’s done in a tasteful manner that doesn’t feel like a detour from the music itself, rather a spoken word extension of it!
Man, Jéan, this man is a force to be reckoned with on the beat. What has always stood out to me is that he’s always had this damn near spiritual/preacher quality about him that I just adore. He doesn’t have the cliché tough guy, street rapper vibe or the overly experimental for the sake of it type rapper or the overstated boom bap guy; instead, he’s a guy who’s always walked in his own lane!
Across this record, he brings his trademark introspective qualities to the centre stage. He’s confident, smooth, and fluent. Always sounding like a man who just sits in the booth and just speaks his mind! Very rarely does it sound like written-down bars more than him speaking out loud!
He utilises these instrumentals fantastically. Making sure to choose beats that complement his soothing style the best and letting the listener get lost in the synchronicity between voice and beat.
The whole time I was listening to this record, I was blown away by the fluency of it. I mean, there’s no break, awkward transition, or nothing. It’s the kind of album you’ll want to listen to while walking around on a summer’s day enjoying the nature around you while letting your mind go to ease!
As expected, he pairs well with the features he chose, as they actually add value to the tracks instead of being there just for feature’s sake. Great chemistry all around!
If Furious Styles made a record, I feel it would sound something like this. Undeniable wisdom spit over lively production! Although this came out last month, it’s not one you can ignore!
https://open.spotify.com/album/7IbdNsBE253RIjUKLTkpXL?si=RBJW4rurTtuiTYeq1OKv8A
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