It takes a great deal of courage and confidence to step out in faith and pursue your dreams, especially if that dream involves some form of artistic expression. You never quite know who will relate to your concept and support your project, or who won’t. Most likely, you’ll have those who will discourage it simply because they see you making an attempt while they have continuously decided not to make any moves at all. It’s all really a gamble; one that I believe makes life a bit more interesting and I’m proud that Charlotte-based lyricist, J. Crump, has made that first step with the release of his mixtape, Crump.Power.Respect. |
The mixtape is a ten-track affirmation of Crump’s ability to lyrically slain beats with five tracks being produced by the artist himself. The word play and aptitude of J. Crump lyrical content is strikingly apparent and shines greatly on tracks like “How You Do That,” “Cake,” and “Rookie of the Year.” The track “Black Timbs & Black Hoodies,” infused with the Biggie Smalls sample, is still my personal favorite and it garnished J. Crump a first place win in the 2009 Survival of the Illest Rap Competition at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The song hyped the crowd so much and took the competition to another level.
One of things that I’m looking forward to with Crump’s future releases would be a more established flow. At times, Crump demonstrates a rapid-fire flow that, while impressive, most of the verses becomes dissonate. Tracks such as “Look At Me Now,” “My Chick Bad,” and “Jigga What” all contain that very sprightly word play, but having it set to the flow of the original artists just make them seem like carbon copies, especially “Look At Me Now.” Don’t get me wrong, being able to flow with the velocity as Busta Rhymes is an astounding feat in itself, but if I want to listen to a Busta Rhymes flow, I’d listen to a Busta album. However, any artist has the right to hone and perfect any flow they choose. I personally feel that Crump would be more distinct with something fairly original.
One of things that I’m looking forward to with Crump’s future releases would be a more established flow. At times, Crump demonstrates a rapid-fire flow that, while impressive, most of the verses becomes dissonate. Tracks such as “Look At Me Now,” “My Chick Bad,” and “Jigga What” all contain that very sprightly word play, but having it set to the flow of the original artists just make them seem like carbon copies, especially “Look At Me Now.” Don’t get me wrong, being able to flow with the velocity as Busta Rhymes is an astounding feat in itself, but if I want to listen to a Busta Rhymes flow, I’d listen to a Busta album. However, any artist has the right to hone and perfect any flow they choose. I personally feel that Crump would be more distinct with something fairly original.
The most notable track is “Come Back To Me” which exhibits Crump’s versatility in storytelling. It’s very reminiscent to Diddy’s “Pain” from his 1999 album, Forever; back when he was known as Puff Daddy. It’s rare to hear authentic storytelling in today’s music and I believe that lyricism is a derivative of telling a story. It might not have happened personally, but I would choose a vivid, captivating story lined with beats instead of a club anthem glorifying the same materialistic things, if that’s where my mood is at the moment. | |
Like any first attempt with anything, there will always be room for improvement whether if you believe so or not. But, the best way to look at it is like you can only get better from your current point. With J. Crump’s attempt, I feel that a solid foundation has been laid and all that matters now is work ethic, the right connections, and time.
Download the mixtape HERE.
Check J. Crump's FACEBOOK.
Download the mixtape HERE.
Check J. Crump's FACEBOOK.
-Will Carter, Jr.
Works Cited
Wikipedia. "Forever." 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Combs#1999.E2.80.932000:_Club_New_York_and_Forever
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Copyrights of photos are reserved to the respectable copyright holder.