Search - Jean Grae & 9th Wonder :: Jeanius

We Waited 4 Years For This

Q. Pair | USA | 07/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Here it is, the long awaited Jeanius album, and as expected, Jean brings the heat. Its her first project with Blacksmith records, and it looks like she did good for her debut on a new label.



Jean took a note from DJ Hi-Tek & Kweli's Reflection Eternal, and had 9th Wonder exclusively produce all these tracks, which works out because 9th is a damn good producer, and he and Jean have great chemistry. Just listen to "Love Thirst" or "Think About It" and you'll immediately understand why these two did a colabo together. This is Jean at her finest to date, her flow is more masterful, the rhymes are no less then fire, and it has an overall seriousness to it that she hasn't brought out before. In a word, she is very focused with this album. The most outstanding track on here is definitely "My Story" which covers some deep stuff out of her past, from abortion (which she has barely touched on in the past), a heart mummer, and attempted suicide. Like I said, deep stuff. Theres also a good few gust appearances on here, but theres a good chance you wont know who they are except for Phonte from Little Brother. I was hoping for a guest spot from Kweli or another Blacksmith affiliate, but no such luck here.



As good as the album sounds, it does have a bit of a downside to it. See, if your a faithful Jean fan like myself, then you more then likely either own or have heard 5 or 6 of the 13 tracks on other CD's she's made or been on (Blacksmith mixtapes, This Week, etc). The only upside to that is that they have either been slightly remixed or they have been remastered so the quality of sound is suitable for an album.



Despite some recycled material, the album is still worth the buy. Jean is still better then any radio friendly rapper you can name. Get some food for your brain and enjoy the art that is... Jeanius. Peace





Standout Tracks



My Story

Don't Rush Me

Think About It (Hottest Track)

Love Thirst

American Pimp

Desperada

"

Title is Self-Explanatory

B-Knowledge | Milwaukee, WI | 07/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have developed a new found respect bordering on almighty praise for the brillance that is 9th Wonder. Along with his unique production skills, and Jean Grae rhymes, that would put any rapper to shame, both artists are keeping the light of hip-hop aflame, and bright. Better than other collabs involving 9th and other artists (i.e. Buckshot), Grae and 9th have a chemistry that is undeniable, and I really look foward to future collabs. I could not stop playing this album, after getting it. An instant classic in this era of hip-hop! This album is damn-near perfect!"

Hip Hop is a way of life!

Franklin Wilmer II | 08/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The is a definite classic album from Jean Grae, who is one of the illest females spittin lyrics on the mic right now. What makes the album even better is 9th Wonder produced this bad boy. I'm 35 years old and I grew up with Hip Hop from it's beginning. I love Hip Hop just as much today as I did when I was a teenager. If you love lyrics cop this, but if you just like Hip Hop with catchy beats and no lyrical substance, this album is (NOT) for (YOU). If you love Hip Hop keep ya speakers jumpin, but not too loud so you don't go deaf. Aight, Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"