#just blaze
Almost every year, there is something about Jay Electronica. He recently popped up on Kanye West’s DONDAwith a signature verse. Signature as it is. The performance met the expectation criteria many may have of the Nation of Islam bred rapper. With bars like “As sure as the DOJ confirmed Ezekiel’s Wheel,“ it is obvious Elec is set in his school of thought and will never seize an opportunity to express it to the world.
At the top of the pandemic, in March 2020, Jay Electronica released his debut album A Written Testimony.A Written Testimony was a highly anticipated project and probably one of the longest anticipated in hip-hop history. “Finally!,” is the exclamation of an abundance of hip-hop heads who have patiently waited 13 years for the “Ghost of Soulja Slim” emcee. While the album aesthetically and lyrically lived up to the ample amount of expectations, there was one thing about this album that solidified its impact and that is the presence of Jay-Z.
The rap mogul did not appear on just one track. He is featured on eight tracks including “Fruits of the Spirit” and “A.P.I.D.T.A.” Jay is featured on enough tracks to prompt any listener to assume the album was a collaborative effort. A Written Testimony has not been deemed as a collaborative album like Hov’s mash-up with Kanye West, Watch the Throne, however, it convincingly sets the tone of a brotherly affinity. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, giving birth to Elect’s first Grammy nomination.
Aside from A Written Testimony, Electronica has released two additional projects throughout his career. His 2007 debut mixtape, Act I: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge), and its leaked 2020 sequel, Act II: The Patents of Nobility (The Turn). Of course, “Exhibit C” the 2009 Just Blaze produced single that refined the landscape hip-hop lyricist, is among six of Electronica’s career singles.
From homeless aspirant to a rap freak of nature, Jay Electronica’s movement in hip-hop has managed to create an eventful experience for observers. As the Coronavirus pandemic heads to a point of normalcy, hip-hop acts are finally heading back to the stage.
On Wednesday, September 15, Jay Electronica will be rocking the stage at Sony Hall in New York City with Harlem’s own Smoke DZA, GRIP, and Statik Selektah. The performance is poised to be an ideal affair for the extreme hip-hop purist. It also comes a day after the unanticipated Verzuz between Fat Joe and Ja Rule which will also take place in New York City. It is pretty obvious, without much effort, New York City is reminding the world of where real rap lives.
If you are in New York City and can follow the guidelines (must be vaccinated to attend), purchase a ticket for the show right over at Sony Hall’s website.
Photo Credit: David Salafia
