I don't know who Jake One is, but from what I hear on this album, he is one hell of a dope producer, who is from the Seattle area. I never heard any music from Sea Town (except for Sir Mix-A-Lot), but that might change after I've heard this album. Anyway, I was recommended this by a friend, because the guest appearances was very diverse, from mainstream to underground. Artists from Busta Rhymes, to Slug, to MF Doom, to Young Buck, so it's a little bit of everything.
The majority of the production here is top notch. Jake One uses a lot of upbeat production throughout here to match the rappers styles, and the majority of them use them successfully. He also is great with finding some great drum breaks to toss into the beats he makes. Vitamin D helps out with some of the scratches that are frequently heard here. Great songs include "God Bless The Child" featuring Little Brother, and "Oh Really" with Pos and Slug. Both songs showcase some great production done by Jake One. As for the guest's lyrics, most of them are on point. Little Brother are great on the aforementioned track "Bless The Child". Blueprint hits a stride on a great storytelling "Scared", which has a sick beat (the ending was kinda sudden though). "Glow" featuring Elzhi and Royce da 5'9" is a lyrical hot track. "Big Home Style" has a nostalgic 1996 beat sound to it, and artists J.Pinder, GMK, and Spaceman are great.
Missteps here are around here as well. Freeway on "How We Ride" is kind of weak, as well as the vibe of Jake One's production. Veteran rapper Casual doesn't sound well on "Feelin' My ****", as he mentions a lot of rappers in his hook who is "feelin' his ****".
Overall, White Van Music is an excellent album. If you're looking for a diverse compilation with hot production, you'll enjoy this album. The production here is grade A, and as for an added bonus, an instrumental album comes along with it. Hopefully Jake One will have the momentum to become a star producer, but here it's an excellent debut. Highly Recommended. Peace.
Lyrics: N/A
Production: A
Guest Appearances: B
Musical Vibes: A-
Top 5 Tracks:
1. Big Home Style (featuring J. Pinder, GMK, and Spaceman)
2. Glow (featuring Elzhi and Royce da 5'9")
3. Bless The Child (featuring Little Brother)
4. Home (featuring Vitamin D, C Note, Maine, and Ish)
5. Scared (featuring Blueprint)
Honorable Mention:
1. Oh Really (featuring Pos and Slug)
2. Dead Wrong (featuring Young Buck)
3. Kissin' The Curb (featuring Busta Rhymes and Bishop Lamont)