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Jean Grae
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This Week
Babygrande Records
Release: 9/21/2004
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Rated:
Review by:
Morley Seaver
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I've heard about Jean Grae for a few years now but have
never had the privilege of hearing her. I had heard the buzz
that she was a top underground MC but could not crack the big
time. With that in mind, I have to wonder - are all the majors
(along with the public at large) mental?
This Week is an awesome record containing both
corrosive and athletic rhymes coupled with some excellent
beats. The record is based on what happens in an average
week in the life of Jean Grae. There are shades of The
Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill here, but not as a direct
rip-off. And there's more edge here than L-Boogie can manage
these days.
The lyrical matter ranges from the voice of regret in P.S., "P.S.
just had to get this offa my chest. I hope you're well, I really
wish you the best. And as you can tell I've done a lot of
growing up. And time goes fast and no sign of slowing up," to
the paranoid chill of "Going Crazy."
She can also throw out some dexterous lines like: "I see him
try to put a stop to my obnoxiousness but I stay long winded
like sayin' George Papadopoulous" from "Don't Rush
Me."
Among the best of the set is "Supa Fly," produced by 9th
Wonder with its '70s soul vibe, and a hook so sweet you need a
trip to the dentist. This is truly the stand-out song of the
record. "P.S.," an e-mail confessional to some old friends she
had wronged is gripping. The aforementioned "Going Crazy" is
entertaining and "Whatever" and "The Wall" are both top
shelf.
I love Eve, but Jean Grae has no female equal and ranks right
up there with her testosterone-driven counterparts. As far as
valuables go, This Week is an absolute jewel. |
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