Search - Jeru the Damaja :: Wrath of the Math

Hip-Hop with a Message

Steve Quinones-Knowland | Between New York and Georgia | 10/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"DJ Premier comes on strong with the hot beats while Jeru hits you with "thoughtful" lyrics. Jeru is one of the few intelligent rappers out. Tracks like "Frustrated Nigga" and "Invasion" expose injustices while "One Day" exposes fakes like P-Diddy taking advantage of hip-hop for wealth. "Me or the Papes" gives details of paper chasing ladies on a nicely chopped piano loop. This album is still in my rotation. Man, I miss the real hip-hop circa 1993-1997."

MUST HAVE for the hip hop heads......period

sigviscious | seattle | 08/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Any time Premier produces an entire album - it should be a must have. Even if an MC isn't as qualified lyrically, the beats from Primo make it worth having (see: Group Home). In this case however, Jeru matches Premier word-for-beat. Like Guru and Premier, Jeru and Premier should almost be a household name based on their two albums together. Some of the choice cuts - "One Day" is part classic storytelling and part battle rap, "Frustrated..." socially conscious lyrics at their finest, and the first single, "Ya Playin' Yaself" pointed out what "MTV/hip pop" was becoming, and was right on target EIGHT YEARS AGO. If you're feelin' Rakim, early Nas, early Wu-Tang, Gangstarr, Mobb Deep, and Dilated Peoples, pick up this and Jeru's first album. If not - keep sleepin.'

Reference to Rameses's review: Either you or Jeru must be confused. If Jeru hates white people, then why'd he guest on Groove Armada's "Suntoucher?" Basically, it's him rapping several verses over beats they - two British white guys - produced, making one TIGHT song. He also has toured extensively with artists of all colors, so your point couldn't be more off base. Also, the Beasties, and less importantly Eminem, have been around too long to be considered mere propaganda. "Brothers" like Run DMC, Chuck D., Tribe Called Quest, De La, RZA, Jurassic, Dilated, and The Roots have all stated in one form or another how important and influential the B-Boys have been to hip hop. You should respect what they've done to further hip hop and not dismiss them as being a negative. If you want to focus on propaganda, look no further than other "brothers" such as all of the present-day "Li'l" MC's, Ja Rule/The Inc., anything Cash Money related, and even G Unit, D12, and Ludacris, if they're not careful. Your cause, while worthwhile, seems a little misguided."

Not Your Average Math & Science (Rating: 9 out of 10- -4.5 s

Chandler | Atlanta (College Park), Georgia | 02/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back in '94, Jeru The Damaja dropped his classic debut LP The Sun Rises in the East which was full of classic production, curteosy of DJ Premier, one of the best producers in hip hop. It's a blessing having an entire album produced by Premo, let alone two of them. That is what Jeru's sophomore album is nothing less of, banging Premo production. And Jeru still comes in in the lyrical department with no problem what so ever.



Almost every song stands out in my opinion. "Black Cowboy" and "Whatever" shows Jeru's lyrical gymastics behind the microphone. The latter song vibes with the production damn near perfectly. "Revenge Of The Prophet (Part 5)" is an excellent follow up to the story on his previous album. "Not Your Average *****" is another banging lyrical track intertwined with some hot production. "Me Or The Papes" is sort of a sequel to the song "Da *******" from his previous album as well. "How I'm Living" & "Too Perverted" are other excellent songs that are enjoyable. The album closes off with a fast paced "Invasion".



A few tracks I didn't like was "Physical Stamina" with Afu-Ra. It just didn't live up to the "Mental Stamina" status, as on the previous album. Also sometimes, Jeru seems to be focused on what other rappers were doing (ie Biggie and Puffy), and shows it on "One Day", and "The B.S." (a little less on the latter). I don't mind him disliking the pop rap influences back in '96, but I believed he should have went in that direction, and kept doing what he did best, dropping some science on these tracks.



Overall, "Wrath Of Math" is a hot album. As you can tell, Jeru tried to recreate his classic debut, and has exceeded during the most part, by creating a few sequels from there. The production here bangs, and the lyrics are teaching as usual. Reviewer Ashley Blanchard made a few valid points in her review: If Jeru would have had the production that was on Livin' Proof, the results could have been amazing. Also The Source gave a lot of bogus reviews back in '96 (see Poor Righteous Teachers, Da Bush Babees, Kwest Tha Madd Lad, etc.). So something like this bangin' album only receiving 3 mics shouldn't really be a suprise. Anyway get this album, I gurantee you will like it. Peace!



Lyrics: A+

Production: A+

Guest Appearances: A-

Musical Vibes: A-



Top 5 Tracks:

1. Whatever

2. Invsaion

3. Not Your Average *****

4. How I'm Livin'

5. Black Cowboy



Honorable Mention:

1. The Frustrated *****

2. Me Or The Papes"