| There aren’t many artists left today, underground or commercial, who tell it like it is and use their music or art to spread a conscious message, an honest message of what they see as wrong in today’s world. And regardless of beliefs or opinions there are a lot of things wrong with our world and societies. Bigg Jus is one of those artists – an MC who is constantly pushing things forward, working outside of boxes and circles where others have found fame and comfort. An MC who can drop complex lyrics, deep thoughts and still make it sound funky. As a founding member of Company Flow, Bigg Jus has been at it for longer than most. Involved in many projects, solo or not, he’s teamed up with DJ Gman on this album to push forward an issue they both felt needed to be heard – that of poverty and oppression in an age where increased media and government control is leading to an ever wider global crisis, which seems to have no end. With Gman on production, Jus goes about doing what he does best – raising consciousness and saying things that most MCs don’t. With the underlying theme of poverty and exploitation running throughout, Jus says what he thinks, does what he feels and truly lives up to the spirit of edutainment which has sadly all but disappeared in today’s global hip hop culture. It’s not quite preaching and it’s not quite rhyming, it’s a mixture of many things, and it works well – as Jus has proved on more than one occasion. Gman delivers an eclectic mix of productions which contrasts nicely from some of Jus’ recent projects like NMS – more funky and upbeat, this is liberation music. This is two artists deciding to voice their thoughts and feelings on behalf of those who can’t. And it’s also a fine example of what hip hop can be, not limited by the sonic templates of the past or the present, free to move about and do what it pleases – like it always has, but unfortunately something many producers and MCs have forgotten. A must check for fans of Jus and a great introduction for anyone who hasn’t yet discovered the talent of one of hip hop’s finest orators. - UK Hip-Hop |
1XLP/Out Of Print