Washington, DC’s J Ru utilizes his struggles with pain & anxiety as creative fuel for a brand new album called “XIV XXVIII.” Over somber, synth-laden production, an aptly titled track called “The Opener” filters through the speakers. The nascent rhyme slinger soon emerges with a choppy, nasal delivery that seems initially off putting before settling into the groove. The rapper eventually finds his footing on “Undiscovered” which showcases a more soulful side of the artist. His inner desire is to be recognized by the music industry but he questions the manipulative methods it employs. “Throwin Jacks” is a breezy high point of the project with a Lucid Soundz laced arrangement reminiscent of Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic gem “Devotion.” “The Mornin” humorously details a daily sunrise routine everyone can relate to while “Level Granted” supplies melodramatic potency. On this cut, the beat appears to get the better of him before he bounces back to form on a track called “Like Bob.” J Ru shares the ups and downs of a torrid relationship hangin’ by a delicate thread. Beauty doesn’t necessarily trump a nasty attitude…but at the end of the day her appearance makes him the envy of every man. “Scars” finds the artist at his most vulnerable as he recounts instances of self-harm in response to the challenge of life’s obstacles. He triumphed over the darkness & looks ahead to brighter days.
On “The Intermission,” J Ru takes a (dance)break from the drama before easing back a bit with a smooth selection titled “Blow Smoke.” “The Crown” by comparison is an exhibition of contrasts. A deeply rooted, down home vocalist goes head to head with the rapper’s microphone mania for a death match to the finish! It’s a noble experiment that proves ultimately unsuccessful. But there’s no shame in taking a bold risk for the sake of creativity. That brings us to “The Beating.” J Ru’s inventive ambitions pay off with a Quantum Leap styled storyline revolving around him inhabiting the lives of the less fortunate. It’s his most compelling cut on the album(in terms of lyrical content)and serves as fertile ground for the rapper to branch out in the future. “Zero Sum” is a return to confessional material with an autobiographical account of weight gain & loss. “Lost Ties” focuses on friends & family cast adrift in the shuffle of life while “The Closer” brings the adventure to an end. Overall, the project is a decent entry in the crowded rap market. J Ru needs to work on his flow & timing but he’s a quick study determined to rise up the charts!
-K.Keith
