Album Review: The Introverted Emcee
Artist: Mr.J
We’re back at it family! We hope you’re doing OK out there because we have an exciting new album that just dropped. As exciting as it is to check out a single, there’s something about a full body of work that is so captivating. Especially from an up and coming artist. This time we’re taking a listen from the Detroit MC known as Mr.J. The album “The Introverted Emcee” dropped this year featuring 9 tracks. As a conscious rapper, the album showcases serious subject matters such as mental health, death and faith. In an age where street rap is glorified and brought to the mainstream its a nice hear some diversity from an artist. Let’s take a deep dive and figure out all the nuances of the new album from Mr.J.
The track opener “Hold On” sets a nice tone to the album overall. A very in-depth song into the rappers life. The track features much life reflection and even self doubt as the MC talks about being stuck in a 9 to 5 for the rest of his life. This track also showcases the first and only feature from Trey Gandy who does a phenomenal job on the hook of this track. Sliding over to track two “Go Easy On Me”, we take a shift to Mr.J “rap serenading” his love interest as he describes her frame and all the little things he likes about her. However, he discusses the type of women that wouldn’t give him the time or day back in his youth. A relatable subject that many men may not be open enough to discuss. As we dive further into the LP, we land on the track “Let Me Tell It” which again digs deep into who Mr.J is as a rapper and his up bringing. Its at this point that we see a similar theme to the story telling the Detroit rapper likes to showcase on his music. As he talks about his time with his brother growing up who unfortunately passed away later in his life, we see some of the internal turmoil he went through as a young child. Its admirable to hear his passion for rap even though he may not get the recognition he truly deserves.
Getting into “Old School Boom Bap” he unsurprisingly showcases some old school beats in the form of boom bap. He makes a line that catches my attention.
What if I told you I was just as good as J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar it sounds kinda funny, but I’m serious dawg / I never got the chance to hear my applause, but I guess its my fault
Its always great to display confidence in yourself as artist. However, we have to dive into some of areas of improvement Mr.J can improve on and why he is not yet on the level of those mainstream rappers. He stays true to himself and his cadence as a rapper for sure. However, mid-way into the album there is no change in his flow or awesome word play in his raps to keep the listener engaged. This is an important area for any rapper to keep things fresh and fun.
As we move into “JYD” features on of my favorite tracks on the album. The production features a hard hitting sub bass and some bouncy trap-like production that he flows on very well here. The lyricism here is on point and well executed. Overall the energy here is just a touch above other tracks.
As we approach the latter end of the project we get to the title track “The Introverted Emcee” which is a dark boom bap type production that fits the rapper very well. Tackling subject matters as violence and the injustices in society. We also get the remix of “Old School Boom Bap” that has a great bounce and a nice answer to the original. Overall, there a few take aways you can consider as a listener on this project. Mr.J’s work is very consistent. This was a cohesive project form top to bottom showcasing his skills as an MC and story teller. There were a few standouts on the project overall and it was an enjoyable listen as he took us through his life, his thoughts and what he envisions for the future.
Do yourself a favor and take a GOOD listen to this album as you may end up adding some tracks to your playlist. Sure, he may not feature today’s trap production and flow dripped with autotune, but he delivers substance and something thought provoking. Stream the album below!
