Shows

They say you are what you eat/So I guess I’m Arizonas, pancakes, and peace

- Jones on 24 Bars

You think Kendrick Lamar is good? Well, I don’t, but I know someone with similar flow and cadence who is infinitely better. I am talking about Verbatum Jones, with whom I’ve recently become enamored. Regardless of comparisons to Lamar, Jones is a talented MC and rapper who is easy to listen and relate to.

I’m all about the production on (verb.) Cazzi Jetson’s (tried finding the guy, but no Google search results came back) “Summer Nights” chops up an old-school love song and uses fast-pace congas to up the tempo and give the beat a worldly signature. Then there’s the remix of “Crave You” (Flight Facilities), which takes the female vocals without all of the effects and gives Jones room to interject with semi-conversational flow. “Thrill is Gone” (produced by Jones himself) pairs a simple piano riff with light kick drum, which allows the listener to hone in Jones’ lyrics: “just because you get a couple crimes/that don’t you can spit/flip a couple rhymes.” Religious undertones are there, but are kept to a minimum (thank god). There’s a little Creole in there too: a reference to Jones’ Haitian roots.

You need to get the whole album if you’re into any of these tracks. Get the album fo’ free (or donation) here.

Summer Nights – Verbatum Jones

Thrill Is Gone – Verbatum Jones

EVERYBODYEATS – Verbatum Jones

Crave You (Verbatum Jones Remix) – Flight Facilities