"You can say that I ain't blow up, but couldn't say that I ain't show up, so what...I wouldn't say I'm famous, but I'm in my late thirties, still making something worthy for your playlist."
Mr J has had quite a journey in the underground scene for the last decade or so. He left his Colorado Springs hometown for L.A. with the group The Procussions, a Rawkus Records signee that did shows or studio work with underground favorites such as A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots, Talib Kweli...pretty good company.
In the mid-2000's, Mr J embarked on a solo rap career, which is lucky for us rap fans due to the high quality of his lyrics and music. Despite the dopeness of his later records, debut album Of Gods And Girls has remained Mr J's most popular release, mostly due to the success of the classic emotional single "Constance."
Well, for various reasons, some personal and some professional, Mr J announced in 2014 that he would hold one last Indiegogo campaign for his last solo record. Thankfully, he told fans he would not be quitting rap altogether, and although The Procussions are only recording one last album as well, he is involved in two other auspicious projects. One such project is a band titled Knives, a group which includes touring band members of Lady GaGa. One of those members is Tim Stewart, a guitarist I knew as being part of the underground band 4th Avenue Jones (of Ahmad Jones fame).
His other upcoming project is a duo called Alltta with the extraordinary French producer 20Syl. If you haven't heard this electronic hip-hop beat master, you have to go listen now. 20Syl has worked on past Mr J songs and remixes. Be sure to stay tuned.
So this brings us to the last Mr J Medeiros record, entitled Milk and Eggs for the Indiegogo supporters and now officially as G.A.D. for the full public release. I have a hard time believing this won't be one of the best rap records of 2016 - but who with influence will notice? Mr J knows that he deserves more credit than he's gotten throughout his whole solo career, but this doesn't stop him from staying humble and spitting game how he knows best. The lyrics are spiritual, conscious, thought-provoking, intelligent and emotional. The music is dramatic, well-produced, dope. Mr J is always striking as a true artist and poet in a rap world that quite often evades this characteristics. The music and flows combine both West Coast and East Coast influences, giving us the best of both worlds.
This album officially releases on 1/12/16, but there are at least 4 full songs out now to whet your appetite. It's a relatively short album, just under 3/4 of an hour. One of those songs not yet released is the gem "Milk and Eggs," the original title track of the record. Mr J is in top form in "a conscious rap, conscious rap," poking fun at social customs and flowing with braggadocio wordplay. It delivers some quintessential themes of the album - his struggles, both financially and personally, amidst his love for music and family.
The record ends with "Catch as Catch Can pt 3," part of a series of songs looking back on his career and current status in life.
"...I gotta make it, they say you need a plan/when you the son of a waitress and a pizza man/you gotta make it, they say you need a plan/when you got a son and you know you gotta feed the fam." Mr J evokes working class ethics, every day hustle, and the constant grind of an independent artist.
This is an incredible artist and a really good record. If you like socially conscious lyrics written and performed with finesse, coupled with fantastically produced music - Mr J is your guy. Support this artist.
Pre-order Mr. J Medeiros' last solo album, G.A.D. here and get it early on 12/28/15.