J The S, formerly “Jake The Snake”, has been a staple in the Boston hip-hop community over the past five plus years. From his early days smashing The Super Bowl Rap Battles, to great releases like his international debut “Strategy Of The Crown” in 2006, to his more recent endeavors on the New York City mixtape circuit (Two releases over the past two years featuring collaborations with artists like Jadakiss, Joell Ortiz, Nipsey Hussle, Kool G Rap, B.o.B, Saigon to name a few), J has never stopped repping the hometown team.
His latest work, “The Last Days”, explores varying themes of society and struggle but also takes time out to explore J’s introspective nature of his own life. It is hands down his most complete project yet and being as big a fan as I am, that is saying ALOT.
J The S is one of the more fearless emcees I have encountered during my meanderings in Hip-Hop. Release after release, J The S has consistently shown he is not the type of artist to sacrifice authenticity in favor of commercial success.
In seemingly scripted fashion, “The Last Days” release date was supposed to be January 18th of this week, however, feeling so strongly about the recent SOPA protests, J The S felt it more important to delay his release a day in recognition of the online communities concerns. This of course was coincidence, but appropriately fitting for an artist like J. From his early work in Boston Public Schools to countless fundraisers for anti-violence groups all the way to recent appearances (most of them NON music related) at Occupy Boston, J The S is constantly entrenched in fighting for change.
In an era where much of Hip-Hop’s authenticity is questioned, J The S remains an important artist, one who LIVES what he speaks and is never afraid to ask the tough questions. In my mind, this is the true soul of Hip-Hop, a voice for the unheard, unafraid and focused on making a difference.
“The Last Days” is an extremely quality work with a phenomenal sense of cohesion. There are also some great guest appearances including Styles P, Pill and Emilio Rojas just to name a few. Do yourselves a favor and download it below. I will be publishing a track by track review of the “The Last Days” next week.
-Natural
