Tarantino's Thoughts:
Blessings yall. So initially I really had no clue what this weeks addition of Tarantino's Thoughts would be about. Usually, the process goes as follows: pick a topic preferably a week in advance, study the topic for about 3 days straight (no less than 15 listens in 3 different settings, minimum), and then execute. The only difference this week being, somehow my week dwindled to 3 days to actually pick a topic and studying it as well … ok cool (no pressure). Scurrying to find this topic, I frantically surfed the internet and sort of like unmined gold, I stumbled across a project that after vigorous review … blew my mind. Now I must be honest, it may have been pure luck that I came across one of the best rap albums I've heard in a very long time (like 2014 Forest Hills Drive long time … I’ll explain). With all due respect, I don't even know why I clicked on it (but trust me I made the right decision).
Cue In the Columbus, Ohio MC: Jerreau. Before I go any further, the name didn't ring any bells whatsoever. Due to the excellence I soon witnessed, research became imperative (thank you google). Shortly into my google search, it all made sense. This was the Jerreau most notably of Fly Union–the rap group from Columbus who made a lot of noise from 2010 – 2013, with memorable collabs w/ Dom Kennedy, Big Sean, Chip, PacDiv, Currensy etc. No longer surprised at what I heard based on previous work, it was pretty much to be expected. As it turns out, with the group presently dismembered ( with no hard feelings involved … Fly U references / production throughout the project), Jerreau now debuts his solo album Never How You Plan.
From the jump, Never How You Plan sucked me in. Jerreau wastes no time casually showing off his distinctive flow, along with a thoughtful (not to mention relatable) lyrical prose. “You can do anything, the greatest lie ever told … I told myself all the time, sometimes you just gotta lie.”--the MC raps in a rare but pleasurable stop/start rhyme scheme advancing–“Because the system is broken, and the scales are tipped … and that city-school to prison pipeline do exist. You miss what you don't shoot, I'm a 100% … it's real in the field … ”. Regardless of “Persevere” playing over persuasive mellow instrumentation; the Greater Than Club representative comfortably attacks every line intensely, touching on social issues, ex's, family and manhood. Trading in time-consuming hooks for impeccable lines.
Trumpets, kicks, and heavy 808 assisted, the MC offers up championship music with “Really Got It”, rapping–
“Damn I love it when they get it, she know I got it; Invite her over, I ain't expect shit ... but alcohol for dinner turned to gum for breakfast; exit stage left on some clever shit ...”
–skillfully creating an unquestionable hit. Practically o-d'ing on dope production, Jerreau doesn’t get overshadowed in the least bit on “Hunt and Trap”(a personal favorite) stating: “I wasn't under-rated nigga I was overlooked … Been car shopping all my life, I been through a lot. I don't fuck with the police but that Porsche imma Cop”. Line after line (with too many to quote) 3 songs in, I'm impressed. As if the project was his own personal diary, tracks like “Make A Play” and “Looking For Something” give us a perfect balance between nostalgia and depression, as Jerreau goes through his self-reflecting maturation process.
“But to find myself gotta' be honest with me, and balance and moderation that's really the key”–“Love For You 2” opens over quality keys and organ arrangements as the Ohio native analyzes further. Openly spilling feelings of love/hate relationships with old flames and hometown associates, it's as if he comes to grips word by word, accepting change. Pleasantly progressing, Jerreau's delivery keeps you on edge (not to mention your hand on the rewind button) as the “The Flow” and “Come Over” fill out the album perfectly, allowing any man to relate, and any woman to appreciate the real.
Overflowing with jewels, “Got You” undoubtedly drops a few–“Seldom do I approach and ask for name and number … I ain't shy but I ain't really on it … Would rather be introduced by mutual homies, see you niggas dribble too much or shoot too quick, I'm not afraid to post up and take an assist”. The MC confidently embraces every particular, stating–“Some say I play it safe shit, maybe I is, but my success to fail ratio is better than his”–giving up gems throughout the entirety of the song. Coming to a close, the album smoothly raps up with “All Night”, “Champagne”, and “Hold It down”, all mellowing out over elegant samples as Jerreau effortlessly masters his flow track by track, dropping numerous thought-provoking lines that warrant a replay.
From the impressive production to organic delivery, Never How You Plan is beyond special. Any fan of Hip-Hop should enjoy this project as Jerreau leaves absolutely no room for error with his debut (with no rap features to match). If I had to bet any amount of money (preferably his money not mine), I'd say with the right push this guy is unquestionably next–I mean don't take it from me, check the major Lebron James co-sign vid. Leaving no subject left untouched, Jerreau obviously has a bright future ahead of him. Don't let the complexity intimidate you either. This guy know's how to balance, never once being overly conscious or too lackadaisical, he's believably him. Uncategorizable, all I can say is the album is “extremely good vibe music”, but even that statement would sell it short. So here's my high recommendation if you're unaware (don't feel sorry, blame the rap game). Jerreau - Never How You Plan is available now via stream (on whatever popular streaming site you rock with … thank me later) or show love and purchase it via iTunes.
Peace and Love,
N.Tarantino
(Darnell Schoolfield)
