a lot of new skool rappers think if you have good beats you don't hafta say anything relevant...thank God jonezy defies this standard.
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Homespun: Jonezy
CO$TOMBS
(Frozen Food Section)
Rapper Justin "Jonezy" Jones has the necessary bravado to rock the mike with authority, but he never lets his ego — or his rock-star-size dreams — get too big. The first two tracks on CO$TOMBS refer to his soul-sucking day job and being broke in a manner that's both funny and refreshingly realistic. This undercurrent of anti-materialism gives the disc its distinct flavor. "CO$TOMBS" (pronounced "costumes," in case you missed Ke$ha's dollar-sign-as-consonant lesson) rides on a florid sample of classical stings and an almost Tom Waits-ian chorus that asks, "How much does that costume that you're wearing cost?" It may not be a Zen riddle, but the social critique permeates much of the disc without becoming overbearing.
Details
Jonezy
10 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Club 15, 1900 Locust Street.
$5. 314-588-8899.
10 p.m. Saturday, April 16.
Club 15, 1900 Locust Street.
$5. 314-588-8899.
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Jonezy persistently rails against style over substance — the hard-edged "Intrinsick" reaches for hip-hop's brass ring of authenticity by questioning the genre's status clichés while rapping atop the disc's most blasé and by-the-numbers beats. It's unclear if the irony is intentional or not. He's better off with more adventurous samples such as the slinky horns that give a nice pivot point to "Blow It Up" or the Bob Marley licks that give a little Clavinet-fed funk to "ExitUS." The sluggish and cavernous drum-machine beats on "It's Now Time" produce a narcotic effect, and the bellicose guest verse by Tef Poe contrasts with Jonezy's more relaxed flow. Across thirteen tracks, 45 minutes and precious little fluff, Jonezy shows he can work in multiple styles while speaking truth to power and — amazingly — not sound preachy in the process.
Want your CD to be considered for a review in this space? Send music c/o Riverfront Times, Attn: Homespun, 6358 Delmar Boulevard, Suite 200, St. Louis, Missouri, 63130. E-mail music @riverfronttimes.com for more information.
23 comments
Jonezy's new album CO$TOMBS is awesome, l like the relaxed style and flow of the lyrics on it. Keep em coming!
his CD Release party tonight is supposed to be pretty GINORMOUS from what i'm hearin. i'mma check it out! good stuff.
I hope his digital deal with Universal helps him get recognized on a national level! he deserves it!
jonezy helps put other hip hop acts on and does a lot for the scene as well as being a dope lyricist! hell yea!
you summed it up well! refreshing and fun but still some serious substance! much respect jonezy.
Can't wait for tomorrow night at Club 15! CO$TOMBS is hot off the press! CD's will be flying. Yayer!
This is what local hip hop is all about. Real, raw lyrics with a unique beat and someone who is passionate about talented to deliver it. Nice work Jonezy.
Justin I am so proud of you! By knowing you and your music, I can say you are sooo deserving of this. This guy is the most down to earth dude you'll ever meet and his music comes from the depths of his huge heart. Ambition and assertiveness make him the person he is. Congrats Jonezy... you're gonna be flyin' soon !!
$$ COSTOMBS $$ is that revolution in STL music, I nominate Jones for President of this Revolution which will be bigger than when Grunge hit Seattle, Keep that fire coming,. Good review RFT, thanks for lettin me finally know where to look for REAL music
Jones is the shit...Awesome your getting the recognition you deserve...Keep reppin STL bringing those bomb tracks
Jonezy is the best lyricist in STL, Glad to see he finally gets some love from the press...Great article, big ups Jones
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