Compton, California emcee, songwriter and producer Jason Martin reunites with Mike & Keys for his fourth EP. Originally known as Problem, he has since released over a dozen mixtapes as well as 4 full-length studio albums and several 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. It’s been nearly a full year since Repack, and they’re back together again, just like A Hit Dog Gon Holla.
Following the “Guns & Sandwiches” intro, “Let Me Roll My J” chops up a soul sample that talks about wanting to party ’til the sun rises, while “Things You Learn While on the Grind” reflects lovingly on what he’s learned since his days on the road. “Docusign” gives off a drum-less chipmunk soul vibe, talking about not getting tripped up by any obstacles, while “Flu Game Jordan” continues to strip away the drums so he can make progress through blackmail.
“We Know the Truth” continues on a hazy boom-beat route that talks about hearing a non-stop stream of hats coming out of these motherfuckers’ mouths, while “Tee’d” is a silent reminder that everything is paid for, not simply granted to us. “Laugh Now Laugh Later” features everyone lying, but after the “Goofy” skit, “Thang’s Just Ain’t the Same for Gangsters” recalls Dr. Dre’s “The Watcher” and delivers the EP “Above the Noise”.
Repack was met with mixed reviews last fall for all its features, and I’m pretty sure Jason Martin heard those criticisms, as he single-handedly took on all of A Hit Dog’s Gonna Holla’s vocal performance, resulting in an extended performance that I liked better than the last one we got from him. Mike & Keys’ production returns to the traditional West Coast sound of Tony Shhnow’s eighth album Self Portrait last month, and Jason single-handedly silences those who think he’s become guest-dependent.
Rating: 9/10
