Jay Rock, Redemption | Album Review 💿

After nearly a three-year hiatus, West Coast rapper Jay Rock returns with an enjoyable, well-rounded third studio album, ‘Redemption.’

Sometimes, things seem to fall in line optimally.  That’s what went down for 33-year old West Coast rapper Jay Rock in 2018.  His single “King’s Dead” was certainly among the best songs appearing on Black Panther the Album Music from and Inspired By.  This elevated the Top Dawg Entertainment rapper’s profile, particularly following a three-year hiatus.  He would follow up “King’s Dead” with two more singles – “WIN” and “The Bloodiest” – before dropping his third studio album, Redemption.  How does the project stack up for Jay? Pretty good overall.

“The Bloodiest”

✓ “The Bloodiest” begins Redemption exhibiting toughness. The single benefits from its excellent production and hard-nosed, honest rhymes from Jay Rock. On the first verse, he exhibits a relaxed flow, yet still packs a punch delivering ample ‘real talk.’ The hook serves as the catalyst for a more agile, grittier second verse.

“Battle scars and tribulations, downfalls from the situations
I bounced off with dedication, accounted for my participation…”

Safe to say, he goes “H.A.M.”, closing out the record with a repetitive but fitting outro.  On follow-up ✓ “For What It’s Worth,” Jay Rock gets an uncredited assist from singer Brent Faiyaz on the chorus, as well as portions of the verses.  Following his strong opening statement, the rapper remains tuned in, dropping edgy, unapologetic bars over tight production work by Sounwav.  Rock’s flow is chill and relaxed, yet bites at the same time. 

“Knock it Off”

His flow continues to be his best attribute on “Knock it Off.” A catchy hook doesn’t hurt his cause either, regardless how repetitive it is. ✓ “ES Tales” commences with an intro finding the protagonist forced to return to the projects after losing it all.  It sets the tone for the real talk that Jay Rock spits about street life chocked-full of crime, drugs, and plenty of “no good.” The sound of the record exemplifies the grittier persona of West Coast music, finding Jay truly engaged and locked-in.  

“Rotation 112^th” keeps the hits coming, beginning with a simple, but instantly catchy hook.  Again, Jay Rock is honest and energetic in relaying the happenings of the streets.  His flow is agile, while his rhymes reference hustlers, killers, welfare, and violence in general.  It’s not a pretty illustration, but solidly executed.  He switches up the formula on “Tap Out,” featuring Jeremih.  Usually, the appearance of Jeremih signals a sex-oriented record. That’s the case here, where his tenor is just what the doctor ordered after so many darker records. 

“OSOM” 

The slower, lengthier, hella chill ✓ “OSOM” taps J. Cole for the assist.  On the first verse, Jay Rock raps about his come-up throughout – “I bought a Dodge Magnum / I just got signed, everybody on my line.” He later drops a third verse. J. Cole delivers the second verse, incorporating a number of themes, including drug use, depression, and running into a juggernaut should you mess with him: “Look both ways before you cross me, I kill ya.” Jay is assisted by and uncredited SiR on the chorus.

“Miss me with that bullshit / You ain’t really wild, you a tourist / I be blackin’ out with the purist / I made a hundred thou’, then I freaked it.” ✓ “King’s Dead” arrives in abbreviated fashion compared to the version that appears on Black Panther the Album Music from and Inspired By.  Nonetheless, the impressive, though uncredited hook by Kendrick Lamar remains intact, while his concluding verse is cut completely. Future remains in all his glory and idiosyncrasy. What is advantageous for Jay Rock about this shortened version is that it feels more like his song compared to the Black Panther version.  On the other hand, it certainly doesn’t eclipse the Black Panther version.

“Troopers”

“Troopers” gives Redemption another golden hook, not to mention solid production work courtesy of CuBeatz and Cardo. Notably, Jay Rock takes on a more melodic flow, with some exceptions. “Broke +-” follows in moody and mysterious fashion.  There’s an eerie, unsettling nature about this particular record that certainly makes it intriguing. On the chorus, he breaks down the acronym BROKE. Hit-Boy produces follow-up “Wow Freestyle” which officially features Kendrick Lamar.  Lamar raps the first verse, Jay the second, and they split the third.  Expectedly, the flow is nuts, even if “Wow Freestyle” isn’t necessarily the crowning achievement of Redemption. 

“Redemption”

Speaking of ✓ “Redemption,” the soulful, lush, title track serves as the penultimate track of the album. Jay Rock rides the throwback, Terrace Martin/Sounwave production like a champ.  From the start, he’s reflective, opening the song up with the question, “If you had a second chance in life, what would you do?” On the second verse, he changes the question from an answer in the first person: “If I had a second chance in life, this what I’d do.” He’s keeps things relatively chill but remains incredibly impactful. SZA drops expressive, radiant vocals on the chorus.

“You either with me or against me, ho!” That’s that heat – the cockiness and confidence – that Jay Rock brings to the mic on closing cut ✓ “WIN”.  Part of the “Win” for Jay Rock is the sound – the production of the record. The listener is spoiled with a spirited, minor-key brass loop, as well as hard-nosed, trap drums.  The backdrop is perfect fuel for Jay’s flex-fest, beginning with a confident hook.  The hook is cliché, but definitely perfect for turning up.  The same can be said of Jay Rock’s verses, which are nothing ‘brand-new,’ but worthwhile. He does have some clever moments, not to mention every reason to celebrate #winning.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Jay Rock delivers a solid project with Redemption.  There are plenty of songs worth spinning on repeat.  While this album isn’t necessarily one that just absolutely ‘knocks your socks off’ per se, there’s plenty to like about it, period.

✓ Gems: “The Bloodiest,” “For What It’s Worth,” “ES Tales,” “OSOM,” “King’s Dead,” “Redemption” & “WIN”

Jay Rock • Redemption • Interscope • Release: 6.15.18

Photo Credit: Interscope