Jedi Mind Tricks
Violence Begets Violence
JMT’s messages have always been mixed; Vinnie Paz, an Italian (raised Roman Catholic most likely), is presumably a Five-Percenter, with his innumerable god references. Loves to rhyme about his guns in occasionally clever ways but also posits some progressive theories on politics and religion. The persona he portrays seems to have little respect for anyone who doesn’t guzzle as much liquor as him or refuses to keep a screwface 24/7. That’s the raging heart of Philly for you. But there is an intellectual precision to what Vinnie & JMT are able to pull off that is also Philadelphia, a city that demands sharpness on so many levels even while you’re so often struggling with it’s all-encompassing American-ness.
“What’s not to like about the guy who had Christ slain…” This is beyond irreverence, this is iconoclastic, nihilistic screaming-for-vengeance rap from the mouth of the less-heralded member of the group. Jus Allah is less of a caricature and more deadpan in his scornful assaults. From the unforgiving streets of Camden, Jus has emerged as the one you wait for on a JMT track. Vinnie has honed his delivery and acumen over the years, becoming less of a Caucasian Freddie Foxx and something of a more rounded presence. But it’s Jus that holds this patchwork album together. Stoupe is gone for now but his signature sound remains. The one he crafted and producers should emulate, and they do so here with mostly excellent taste (enlistees C-Lance, Hypnotist Beats & Nero to name a few).
You won’t find a song as satisfying as “Target Practice” on deck though “Design In Malice” featuring Young Zee & Pacewon, produced by Mr. Green is also worthy of your Spotify playlist. The collective subject matter is very limited (and always has been with JMT) but Jus Allah’s growling proclivities make this album worth a splash of your attention. Once again it’s the dark arts and scarcely little else, but JMT have never claimed anything but cerebral violence. An album that hardcore fans will appreciate but isn’t likely to help garner any new followers.
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