The production on Common Sense also pulls from a wide swath of source material, but J Hus himself is firmly rooted in hip-hop. The shifting musical styles underscore Hus’ own versatility he flits from a lilting sing-song to something more gruff and guttural easily and without hesitation. (Jae5, the producer responsible for crafting and expanding J Hus’ sound, spent three years in his parents’ native Ghana, making for another important connection to the continent’s pop music.) The Afrobeat threads run through Common Sense, alongside grime’s menace (see “Clartin”), contemplative pianos (“Who You Are”), or the sheen of turn-of-the-century Roc-A-Fella (the title track). When he was a child, Hus (for “hustle”) accompanied her to parties where he was introduced to music from Africa. J Hus was born Momodou Jallow in London to a mother who had emigrated from Gambia in her 20s. But there’s more than that: J Hus’ debut serves as a unique coming-of-age story, one that should resonate on both sides of the Atlantic.
His debut album, Common Sense folds all these influences into a world that is specific and engrossing. Bush-era hip-hop, tinges of grime-into a coherent, singular vision. Enthusiastic coverage of J Hus has leaned heavily on his ability to blend a variety of musical styles-Afrobeat, dancehall, W. He can hit complicated patterns, pack color into his writing, and harmonize more effectively than artists with decades of experience. His music is boldly personal, and he’s a technically precise, adaptive vocalist. Album DescriptionIf you’re a rap fan, at some point this year, someone is going to recommend that you listen to J Hus, a 21-year-old from East London who raps with a gravity beyond his years. Your browser does not support the audio element. The album isn't perfect, as J Hus' endless braggadocio can get tiring, particularly on songs like the tropical-tinged hit "Did You See." Still, it's undeniable that he possesses a remarkable amount of personality, and his commercial and critical breakthrough proves to be well-deserved. Tracks like the dembow-infused "Spirit" are instilled with a sense of optimism and loyalty while facing hard times. His angry, violent side bursts through on the gunfire-riddled "Clartin," and while the song is clearly indebted to American trap, there's something about its pomposity and manic spirit that sets it apart and elevates it into its own realm. Lyrically, he's preoccupied with sex on tracks like "Friendly" and "Sweet Cheeks," and songs like the gently skipping "Good Time" revel in partying in order to take away the stress of constantly hustling for money and status.
Common Sense is sprawling yet focused, demonstrating J Hus' versatility as he switches between styles with ease, as well as an abundance of confidence. chart and appearing in numerous international year-end lists, in addition to being nominated for the 2017 Mercury Prize and garnering the rapper several nominations at the 2018 Brit Awards. The album resonated with audiences at home and abroad, crashing the Top Ten of the U.K. hip-hop at that particular moment in time. The MC's mélange of Auto-Tune-laced R&B warbling and drill-inspired hardcore rap with elements of dancehall and Afro-beats perfectly encapsulated the sound of U.K. The debut album from J Hus, a Londoner of Gambian heritage, was easily one of the definitive British rap recordings of 2017.
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