New Orleans has long been considered a hotbed of rising hip hop talent for some time. Lyricists like Lil’ Wayne, Curren$y & Jay Electronica are but a few of the NOLA luminaries enjoying major industry success & now Jakk Jo steps up to the plate with his latest release, “Wohday Musik.” The powerful 14 track mixtape provides a sonic tour through a city known as “The Big Easy” to some and “Hard Luck Central” for long-time residents in the know. Each cut conjures a distinct mood or vibe that is powered forward by Jakk Jo’s defiant delivery. The sights and smell of the city are expertly captured by the Louisiana spitter and documented for the world to hear.
“NOLA Intro” kicks things off with a raw, gritty soundscape and hardcore rhymes to remind listeners that life in New Orleans is far from paradise before the track segues into a state of emergency joint titled “Datz How It Go.” The sinister energy of the cut propels the action into a fever pitch of excitement that doesn’t let up until the funky “Lawddd” floods the speakers with infectious instrumentation. It’s a stellar track that will hopefully be rewarded with a dope video to match the high energy vibe. “In My City” sports a decidedly less animated platform. A minimalist approach to the music is showcased in the form of a spare shuffle beat. This arrangement places the focus squarely on Jakk Jo’s energetic flow & melodic cadences. Needless to say, he doesn’t disappoint. “Herion” drives home the point that the rapper lives the truth he speaks in his material while “Gangsta Sh!t” provides a nice gumbo of scratches, horn stabs, and soul grooves with a catchy hook to boot. “Tote My Gun” then follows with trippy, atmospheric production that masks the menacing(yet eerily gleeful)chorus.
“U Know How I’m Commin” revolves around the emcee taking out his enemies…’Don’t bring the iron out to play!’…while “Damn” breaks down the do’s and don’ts of survival in the hood. “New Warleans” is another stand out track. The powerhouse production is captivating with it’s wall-shattering beats and “Hey” chants opening up the floodgates for an outpouring of intense rhyming from the lyricist. ‘No hand outs in NOLA. “It’s all on you!” “Downtown” finds Jakk Jo detailing the local scene like a street reporter in the “Trenches,” which happens to be the title of the next track(a ride or die joint that wouldn’t sound out of place in a horror movie) while “Come On” highlights the contrast of deadly serious lyrics executed with a humorous delivery. “Pakk Touchdown” wraps up the entire project with a danceable, almost hypnotic track that still manages to convey the feeling that a threat is looming around the corner. Whatever problem arises, we know Jakk Jo will be up to the task. Anyone who can survive the streets of New Orleans knows that by comparison, dealing with the ruthlessness of the music industry is like a walk in the park.
– Kevin Keith
