Compton, California emcee, songwriter and producer Jason Martin celebrates Christmas Eve with his sixth EP. Originally known by the moniker “Problem”, he went on to release over a dozen mixtapes as well as 4 full-length studio albums and his final 5 EPs. I can’t forget to mention DJ Quik’s two collaborations, the first being 2017’s Rosecrans, and the follow-up Chupacabra, just days before Kendrick Lamar’s historic 1-off Pop Out concert at the Kia Forum. Mike & Keys will produce a repack with A Hit Dog Gon Holla and Mafia Cafe to further celebrate the 10th anniversary of OT (Outta Town) and detail “Lonely Winter”.
The homemade intro “Stop Playin’ with Me,” co-produced by Mike & Keys, instrumentally reminds me of something Scott Storch would make in the 2000s, sending a clear message to toxic bitches, while “Queen Latifah,” which follows the “Home Alone with Precious” skit, blends tension and Mobb music to talk about how living single has made this woman’s life miserable. However, at the end of the first half, Jason had Candace Boyd on the microphone to perform the acapella R&B song “Think About Me.”
“Santa or Nah” kicks off the third quarter with a drumless chipmunk soul vibe, finding itself caught between fact and emotion on a droning sample, eventually leading into the gospel-influenced “OK (RIP),” promising on his mother’s grave that everything will be okay, remembering loved ones who left earlier than expected. “Suspect” is an affectionate account of looking in the mirror every day to get ready for a show, while “If You Need That” closes out “Lonely Winter” without wanting to be with the goofballs or any of the negativity that comes with it.
I have to agree with Westside Bear aka BelowTheHipHop who recently said that Jason Martin’s last few extended shows, A Hit Dog Gon Holla and Mafia Cafe, were enchanted by most people because they both proved that he didn’t need to rely on a large number of guests to have an enjoyable listening experience. Which is to say: “Lonely Winter” differs from its predecessor in that he adds a feature or two that takes the listener on a journey that explores the stress some people experience during the holidays, both past and present.
Score: 8/10
