This is the fifth EP from Compton, California emcee, songwriter and producer Jason Martin. Originally known as Problem, he has since released over a dozen mixtapes as well as 4 full-length studio albums and 4 EPs. Don’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 52 weeks since Mike & Keys produced “Repack” and only 6 weeks since “A Hit Dog Gon Holla”, and they’ll be heading to Mafia Cafe.
“I Can’t Tell” sets the tone with a drumless jazz instrumental that turns the show on its head, while “When Will They Learn?” sets the tone. Following “Check It Out,” the skit has a chipmunk-soul vibe about backflips off a yacht in Jamaica. “Expensive Rent” brings back the jazz music as a reminder of the spiritual benefits of coffee and Kush, while the soulful “Choice” hones Jason’s storytelling abilities, depicting conversations carried out over the phone.
On “Black Entertainment,” we hear some jazzy sounds breaking down the industry into “Cafalonia,” drum-less quips about drinking a latte that’s smoother than Sade’s music. “Pity the Fools” lovingly references WWE Hall of Famer Mr. T, and after the hilarious “Akademiks Final Says Something Worth Listen To” skit, “Tricky Times” jazzes up some harsh realities despite the fact that he’s “kept it fresh.”
A Hit Dog Gonna Holla and Jason Martin’s third extended series in a year is less than a few months away, quickly surpassing the one that launched earlier this fall. Mike & Keys’ production on this album is more sample-based than their last, cutting back on the jazz and soul genres, giving Jason plenty of room to step up his strokes game.
Rating: 9/10
