Customer Reviews

Essence of J Rawls

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"The Essence Of..." is a brilliant LP of any gifted producer's ilk. Trust me, J. Rawls can easily surpass most of his contemporaries with this debut. It strings together a cast of diverse emcees who all contribute something solid to each track. Substantive collaborations on this album are "Far Away," with Mr. Complex and Apani B. The Fly Emcee, "Meniscus" featuring Dose-One and Fat Jon of Five Deez, "Cold Turkey" with Capital D. and Mr. Greenweedz (not to mention an intoxicating jazz loop) and "Nommo" with the Unspoken Heard.
J. Rawls is well on the way to solidifying a rep as a formidable producer capable of crafting beats on a par matched by peers like Pete Rock, Diamond and Jay Dee. J. Rawls has been bringing the heat on outside acts recently, evidenced by his work on the Black Star, Unspoken Heard and All Natural albums (just to list a few). His resume is indeed expansive, and this is not even to include the work he has done as a half of his own duo, the Lone Catalysts (along with J. Sands).
Simply put, "The Essence of..." displays J. Rawls' deft utilizations of jazz samples, overriding crescendozs (like the warping, wailing effect on "Far Away" and the dizzying double piano incorporatin on "Cold Turkey") and head nodding snares. A must have album for 2001, possibly the most prolific compilation released this year, but at the very least, deserving of a spot in my own top three list that includes Marley Marl and Jay Dee.

The Lone Catalyst J-Rawls delivers a pleaser with "The Essence of...". I've been checking for the Lone Cats ever since I heard "Due Process" and J-Rawls provides a whole albums worth of similar vibey jazz-induced tracks to kick your feet up to. The MC's who were invited to spread butter on J's tracks didn't really blow up the spot though. However, Mass Influence provides a spark over the heated "Superhero" track and J-Live spills some of his verbal wit over "Great Live Caper" (although suspiciously similar to Common's "Stolen Moments" saga). The real lyrical champs on this project are Apani B. Fly and Mr. Complex on "Far Away" and Grap Luva on "Check The Clock". Apani and Complex provide great chemistry over J-Rawls' loungie track while Grap Luva continues to impress and up his status as a solid underground MC on "Check The Clock" (he's had the knack for showing up on some really dope cuts). J-Rawls certainly doesn't present anything brand new production-wise. A couple of cuts on this album are simply generic. But the rest will hook you. His formula of jazzy undertones create an atmosphere that compells you to slow your row and just lounge. Lounge, don't sleep.

The very first track I heard produced by J.Rawls was " BROWN SKIN LADY " by Mos Def & Talib Kweli. I loved the song so much I had to see who produced it. Come to find out it was done by J.Rawls. And to see he has his own album out made me want to get it. And I wasn't disappointed. This man has a good style too. Though it's a Hip-Hop JAZZ type style, don't confuse him with Pete Rock. J.Rawls style is different. The top notch joints on this album are : SUPERHERO, BIRDS OF A FEATHER, ELEGY, GREAT LIVE CAPER, COLD TURKEY, LONE CATALYST ( REMIX ), CHECK THE CLOCK, BLUE #2, and the two best joints FAR AWAY and NOMMO. What brought the album down was MENISCUS. That beat was too spooky which reminded me of Mood's album Doom. It just didn't fit in the album. J.Rawls has a lot of talent and is one of the best producers out now. Don't sleep. Check out THE ESSENCE OF J.RAWLS ! ! !...Also check out LONE CATALYSTS ( the group he's in )

Why aren't more producers getting the respect they deserve? "The Essence of J. Rawls" is a perfect example of why they should be respected. From the opening track any listener can tell that you are gonna be in for a treat. All I have to say is if you love jazz... Buy the album. If you love hip-hop..... buy the album! Also, if you don't have the Lone Catalysts "Hip-Hop" LP.... buy that too! :)

COLD TURKEY! is where its at. This is such a good CD to chill to especially if you're driving in the city. A++++ COP IT TODAY!!!

Rawls did everything but halfstep on this joint. I mean I just could not get it out of my cd player. The man is a genius. Don't wanna toot my horn too loud , but it's amazing , no excuses. Buy it today and add some Essence to your collection.

Jay keep doing your thing baby, more prosperity, and wealth, keep your integrity, and shine on. BIG OHIO STATUS ONE

I make a strong recommendation for any hip-hop fans to buy this CD, it's a good one.