SHOOTING TO THE MOON (5th Anniversary)

I can’t say I’ve had the privilege of reviewing many ‘Re-Releases’ over the years. So I find this an excellent opportunity to do so for a man I’ve developed quite the relationship with over what seems to be music taste and religious background! So with that in mind let’s get to this!

This is the 2021 Re Release album by MC/Producer JAMIS with features from
-KBANDS
-BFW
-Teelee
-Bead Now, I’ll start with the production. Honestly this reminded me of Kid Cudi’s debut album -Man On The Moon
In that opening sequence you can hear the influence! The cinematic, atmospheric and soul catching introduction which leads into the rest of the record in a major way! A classical meets Sci Fi approach that automatically sounds larger than life!
I love this intro because it lets the music breathe before at the very end Jami’s starts rapping! Smart move!

As we get further into the record we are given tracks like -DMT which has an impressive second half! The first half was theatrical enough with those lively violin strings in that ongoing loop with those trap drum beats and thick bass that reminds me of a beat I’d hear Migos or Gucci Mane drop on!
But to me it’s the beat switch second half that caught my attention most as we not only have a more surreal vibe but that chorus is inspired by old school The Weeknd which gave this side so much more depth and entertainment to me!

We have tracks like -Dreams which surprised me with a swift Rock and Roll type vibe! This one has that groovy Funk loop that combined with some infectious horns in the background and some hypnotic drum work! Love everything about this track!

In my reviews I have to be honest and considering this is a release (with 4 new bonus tracks) I feel like Jamis’s original performances to be a bit lacking in quality. Now he’s someone who at this point in his career I’m sure was experimenting and dipping his toes into the music scene maybe without the technology and equipment he has today to and so the final product would of sounded amateurish but here’s the positives

The fact that his skill in lyricism, flow management and placement of bars was efficient back then proves his ability! Despite the raw and rough around the edges sound of his bars I still found myself on multiple occasions bumping my head to what he was saying, his lyrical patterns the way he pieced two and two together, meshed with the atmospheric production all of it!

The fact that he understood production value at this early stage in his career! That’s a supreme bonus. As I said this reminded me of Kid Cudi’s debut album which is a big compliment! The fact that the instrumentals he made could have this much impact and depth to them that early is ridiculous!
Also speaking of. The bonus tracks show a clear progression and advancement by Jamis as they must of been recorded later! I’ve covered his alter stuff and am testament to his improvement and so I may judge his early recordings harshly he had such raw potential so evident in this album that the world should see this as the early signs of a break out artist because that’s what he is now!

If you guys choose to listen to this album, do so with educational eyes! Because yes this album has spots that are a bit green but there are so many aspects that showcase how talented he is as a producer and with his wordplay! So tune in and experience it for yourself!!