New Releases!

Jurassic 5 “Feedback” (3 out of 5)

I have to start off by saying…I LOVE J-5! I admit a couple of months ago when I heard the lead single “Work It Out” and found out that Cut Chemist left the group I was a bit nervous. Actually, I was thinking BLACK EYED PEAS all over again. I went ahead and tested the waters today and picked up “Feedback”. While this LP isn’t a complete let down it really doesn’t make me jump off the ground with my arms in the air looking like Grover. I don’t know what it is and I can’t put my finger on it but this is my LEAST favorite J-5 outing. Maybe it will grow on me over time. It’s not that the rhymes, subject matter, style, etc is out of wack it’s something else, elusive. So far the goodies on here are: “Back 4 U“, “Radio” (Dope throwback song!) and “Red Hot“. The rest seems like a mish mash of tunes that don’t really hit me like “What’s Golden” or “Jayou” did back in the day. I’ll give it more time to sink in.

Pharrell “In My Mind” (3 and a half out of 5)

This is Skateboard P’s debut solo outing and I would have to say it is a VERY solid one. These tracks have range and are all OVER the place from 80’s sounding New Wave pop to early MJ songs to straight up gut busting hip hop anthems. You have to respect a dude that can produce and write an ENTIRE project. That takes skill. A lot of the subject matter on here relates to feelings, relationships, chicks, hot chicks and the ladies. Some of my early favorites are: “Raspy Shit“, “Young Girl/I Really Like You“ & the single “Number One”. The CD is VERY long and maybe it’s my ADD kicking in but he could have left about 4-5 songs on the cutting floor and I would have probably given this a 4 or 4.5. He’s doing his thing and doing it well. Me likey.

Peace-DAG!