Jean Grae has been an underground main stay since the early 2000s. In that time she's dropped multiple albums and mixtapes to critical acclaim but she's remained rather unknown. The album's produced almost entirely by 9th Wonder who's always a solid producer but how does our MC hold it down in this album?
Intro:
Literal rap intro instead of corny skits. Which I appreciate highly. Not bad for our start.
2-32s feat. Daily Planet
Jean sets up that she's an MC first and foremost on this album. She goes for straight lyrics, no smoke and mirrors behind it. The guest is solid too. Can't say i'm ready to rush out and check more work by him though.
Don't Rush Me
Listen, there's nothing like knowin' yourself, and finds comfort in that Like the way I know that smoking's kind of broken my health. Like the way I know my flow don't make appropriate wealth I can't change that
Here Jean's focused on herself personally and how feels inside, her inability to become as rich as some other rappers out there. Shout out to Denis Leary.
My Story
One of the very few tracks to get a music video is My Story. The title alone really tells you what this is and Jean pulls it off like a charm. She introduces herself better than the past few tracks have and it makes a feel a connection to her and what's she gone through. You should check out the video too, it might sell the album to you.
The Time is Now feat. Phonte
Blacker than boat loads of Africans, Or rather like them. This struggle, we can't win
Unfortunately Jean never really got her time to shine in the limelight but she sure does here. Phonte kicks it too and it's a good collab.
Billy Killer
My personal favorite track, the singing hook fits rather nicely. She's all about supporting her man here through thick and thin. I feel like a lesser woman would've somehow worked fucking into this song.
Think About It
Another solid sample on this album. Surpasses the early tracks on here but i liked the last few better.
#8
Track 8, is named 8. It's one verse of Jean going off in a violent manner even referencing stomping your sister and lighting you on fire. I like it.
American Pimp feat. Median
It's a stories of a pimp and a hoe told in the third person. First the pimp then the hooker. I don't love this, might have something to do with the less than interesting beat.
This World
I'm here to fuck perception. Right in it's 20/20 eye prescription
Jean insists she'll forever stay herself and no one can change that. Turns out she wasn't lying then.
Love Thirst
As the name implies Jean does get romantic here. It's in a non-Lil Kim-Foxy Brown, let's suck and fuck and shoot cum all over the place manner though. There's not a ton of sexuality even in it just more of the aspects leading up to. Nice change from the norm.
Desperada
End of my life, bonkers. What other pill to conquer?
Referring to what seems to be a pill addiction that almost killed her, Jean questions why she's still alive and why she was given a second chance from God.
Smash Mouth feat. K Hill, Edgar Allen Floe, and Joe Scudda
It's a posse cut bruh! Everyone does solid here, Grae drops the best verse as you could imagine. Wouldn't drop in my top ten posse cuts or anything but it's a solid ending. I believe Jean did a song remix with Busta around this time so i mean shit that woulda been cool if he was here but nah.
The Highlights:
My Story
Don't Rush Me
Love Thirst
The Lowlight:
American Pimp
The Gem:
Billy Killer
Is it Worth a Purchase?
I'd say so, it's a female rapper of the 2000s spitting bars. If you're not into that then you know to avoid. It's a bit difficult to find but it's not impossible or anything. If you want a sick female rapper, or just a sick rapper that's been unrecognized in general, then pick it up. The physical copy also has her and 9th Wonder recreating classic album covers if that tickles your fancy.
Overall Grade: B+
You better check out the video! Trust me. Til next time, One Love.
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