Jack Preston

Every once in a while, I’ll be struck by a particular sound, a sound that moves my spirit as well as my body. This is exactly what Atlanta-based band Jack Preston & The Dojo have done with their debut LP In The Land Of Wanderers. Sonically enticing, Wanderers feels like a journey into a space of light and everlasting funk. And the instrumentation is just sick! Vocals, keys, guitars, horns, percussion, and strings, every sound is heartfelt, emitting the energy of an eclectic collective. On the track “Find A Way,” the vocalists combine their voices into almost a choral presentation, evoking the spirit of gospel and soul, backed by the fused instrumentation of rock and funk.

The Dojo describes Wanderers as “a melange of sound and genre coming together to dance upon the ear, stimulate the mind, and comfort the soul.” Agreed. The album is worthy of at least one, thorough listen. But please believe, once you’ve experienced the sound, one time won’t nearly be enough. - Audio Gumbo

Every once in a while, I’ll be struck by a particular sound, a sound that moves my spirit as well as my body. This is exactly what Atlanta-based band Jack Preston & The Dojo have done with their debut LP In The Land Of Wanderers. Sonically enticing, Wanderers feels like a journey into a space of light and everlasting funk. And the instrumentation is just sick! Vocals, keys, guitars, horns, percussion, and strings, every sound is heartfelt, emitting the energy of an eclectic collective. On the track “Find A Way,” the vocalists combine their voices into almost a choral presentation, evoking the spirit of gospel and soul, backed by the fused instrumentation of rock and funk.

The Dojo describes Wanderers as “a melange of sound and genre coming together to dance upon the ear, stimulate the mind, and comfort the soul.” Agreed. The album is worthy of at least one, thorough listen. But please believe, once you’ve experienced the sound, one time won’t nearly be enough. - Audio Gumbo

Although the dojo was traditionally an add-on to Japanese temples, they are used today as primary sanctuaries for all forms of training. The same could be said for its lack of use, as its purpose hardly included actual training (students did most, if not all, work outdoors). However, the upkeep was just as sacred as the performance from its housing students. Jack Preston x The Dojo, an up-to-10-piece band who blends hip-hop, funk and rock, do as students of a dojo do – perform outside their training ground. From progressing through Black music using various traditional American sounds to hosting monthly sessions at The Sound Table’s Space2 in Atlanta, JPxTD are a force that the baddest black belt couldn’t reckon with. Jack Preston took some time out to explain The Dojo, their newest album In The Land Of Wanderers, and music’s traditional progression.

SoulTrain.com: Why and how did you guys choose The Dojo Collective as the band name?

Jack Preston: As some may know, “dojo” is a term that describes the training place for various types of martial arts. As slang, our crew began to use the term to describe times when we were working on anything productive. Eventually, our actual training grounds became “The Dojo.” The Dojo Collective actually represents the entire creative collective which includes artists that are not in the core band. The musical band goes by Jack Preston x The Dojo.

ST: On the topic of how The Dojo formed, what really did it for you guys to create In The Land of Wanderers?

JP: As we performed, we really began to form our identity, even as big as our music and artistic community is. But, we wanted to really assert ourselves in putting together this project. We really wanted to show our creative direction. In The Land of Wanderers shows that we are not just wandering around but we do know our journey and our path.

ST: So it elaborates a little bit on you guys as “Wanderers,” so to speak? Does this project give your take on what it means to be a wanderer?

JP: I wouldn’t say that. We say the opposite. We’re not wanderers because we know what we’re doing and what direction we’re heading. We’re exploring the sound of blues and traditional American music but in a progress way.

ST: You touched on your inspirations slightly. Can you elaborate a little more on other musical influences?

JP: I can’t speak for everybody, but I can say that there are modern and more traditional, older influences. We are the generation of the iPod, where our influences come from practically everywhere. Like, you can hear hip-hop and soul, but you can also hear The Beatles, classic rock and Motown in our music.

ST: I would like to get your opinion on how you feel about traditional music like Americana, funk and the original blues being easily accessible, especially since we are in the age where we have digital music as opposed to the time of vinyl when that music came out. How do you feel about the accessibility of older music and how musicians like you guys can take it and make it your own while keeping it from losing its roots?

JP: I know there are people with opposing opinions because they feel like it’s not good for culture, especially if music is free and so easily accessible. Most people think that the less exclusive something is, the less it has value. However, it totally has value and to many it has great value. Throughout my personal career, I loved digging for records and finding a hook or a loop. But, I won’t just press play or take what I hear. I may not know that person’s real name at that time but I’ll learn more about that artist in many ways, from going to different record stores to looking them up on YouTube. In terms of our music, this generation will always have what came from our past generations. We have folks who constantly push the boundaries of sound but will still have music coming from what molded our generation. We’re a compilation of what came before, or each person’s interpretation of what came before. - Soul Train

Among the myriad happenings going on around Atlanta this weekend, multi-instrumentalist M.C., and producer Jack Preston and the Dojo Collective are celebrating the release of their debut album, In The Land of Wanderers at the SoundTable tonight (Fri, June 29).
With In The Land of Wanderers Preston and Co. make good on their soul-infused hybrid of funk, rock, and hip-hop tendencies while avoiding the clichés that often hang on genre hybrids such as this. The secret of their success? There's no pomp, and nothing too flashy or presumptuous about any of the album's seven songs, just an emphasis on crafting solid rhythms and melodies. - Creative Loafing

Among the myriad happenings going on around Atlanta this weekend, multi-instrumentalist M.C., and producer Jack Preston and the Dojo Collective are celebrating the release of their debut album, In The Land of Wanderers at the SoundTable tonight (Fri, June 29).
With In The Land of Wanderers Preston and Co. make good on their soul-infused hybrid of funk, rock, and hip-hop tendencies while avoiding the clichés that often hang on genre hybrids such as this. The secret of their success? There's no pomp, and nothing too flashy or presumptuous about any of the album's seven songs, just an emphasis on crafting solid rhythms and melodies. - Creative Loafing

One of the best things I love about my life is that I know some of the most talented people in Atlanta. One of them so happens to be Jack Preston who has helped me out in a couple of shows backing me up on drums. I guess you can call him the Jack of all trades because not only does he play the drums, he is involved in his own Hip-Hop group and also does some very groovy instrumentals. - Ben Rocks

One of the best things I love about my life is that I know some of the most talented people in Atlanta. One of them so happens to be Jack Preston who has helped me out in a couple of shows backing me up on drums. I guess you can call him the Jack of all trades because not only does he play the drums, he is involved in his own Hip-Hop group and also does some very groovy instrumentals. - Ben Rocks

What Are you Working on These Days – Do You Have Any Projects in the Works?

I’m currently working on three new projects. The first is a full length solo album called The Authentic. I’m also producing an EP with my band The Dojo Collective, and I’m working on a follow up to The Sonikah Project which I released with producer Jon Bom in 2010. You can expect the first of these to fall at the first of the year.

Have Your Performed at the A3C Before? Do You Have Any Good Stories to Tell?
I performed at A3C for the first time in 2010. It was a very fun experience. It felt a bit like a spy mission because at the time, I had just barely broken into the local music scene, so I was still a virtual unknown as a solo artist. I knew that I had one of the dopest live shows around so I was banking on the element of surprise. My band and I ended up smashing the performance so hard, that we were asked to do another song. I took that as a compliment.

What Are You Looking Forward to at This Year’s A3C? What Should A3C Fans be Looking Forward to See from Your Performance?

I look forward to any opportunity to rock with a crowd. The A3C fans should expect true showmanship at my performance. I’ll be rocking one or two new songs, and bringing the usual heat. None of that “cuff your mic, yelling in the mic” biz. Just straight business.

Is there Anything Else A3C Fans Need to Know?

I perform at Jagermeister Stage Saturday the 8th at 3pm. If they get tired of cats yelling in the mic, come check it out. - A3C Hip Hop Festival

What Are you Working on These Days – Do You Have Any Projects in the Works?

I’m currently working on three new projects. The first is a full length solo album called The Authentic. I’m also producing an EP with my band The Dojo Collective, and I’m working on a follow up to The Sonikah Project which I released with producer Jon Bom in 2010. You can expect the first of these to fall at the first of the year.

Have Your Performed at the A3C Before? Do You Have Any Good Stories to Tell?
I performed at A3C for the first time in 2010. It was a very fun experience. It felt a bit like a spy mission because at the time, I had just barely broken into the local music scene, so I was still a virtual unknown as a solo artist. I knew that I had one of the dopest live shows around so I was banking on the element of surprise. My band and I ended up smashing the performance so hard, that we were asked to do another song. I took that as a compliment.

What Are You Looking Forward to at This Year’s A3C? What Should A3C Fans be Looking Forward to See from Your Performance?

I look forward to any opportunity to rock with a crowd. The A3C fans should expect true showmanship at my performance. I’ll be rocking one or two new songs, and bringing the usual heat. None of that “cuff your mic, yelling in the mic” biz. Just straight business.

Is there Anything Else A3C Fans Need to Know?

I perform at Jagermeister Stage Saturday the 8th at 3pm. If they get tired of cats yelling in the mic, come check it out. - A3C Hip Hop Festival

For those who don’t know, who is Jack Preston?
JACK PRESTON: Jack Preston is a MC, producer and instrumentalist based in Atlanta.

How did hip hop find you?
JACK PRESTON: I was born in the 80's, so hip hop was always around. As I came into adulthood I was already making different types of music, so it was quite natural to apply all that I had absorbed from Hip Hop while growing up. Hip hop transformed from being something that i thought was really cool, to being something that i love.

Are you looking forward to performing at A3C? Will this be your first time performing?
JACK PRESTON: Indeed, I’m always excited any time I have an opportunity to rock a crowd live. I performed at A3C for the first time in 2010, and it proved to be an especially fun festival. There was an electrifying energy in the building during my set last year. I plan to give it a good old fashion smashing again this year.

Which other artists are you most looking forward to seeing perform?
JACK PRESTON: I’m excited to catch Big K.R.I.T, Black Milk, Aleon Craft and Big Daddy Kane.

What can fans expect from your performance?
JACKPRESTON: I’ll have a trifecta of songstresses with me this year, as well as my DJ, Jay Smart. We don’t have much time, so we are going to give the crowd a lighting fast gut punching show. No time for breathing or chatting. Only head bobbing.

Who’s in your ipod right now?
JACK PRESTON: Parliment, Spree Wilson, BLK JKS, Aja Rae, BOSCO and RJD2 to name a few.

Last movie you watched?
JACK PRESTON: This movie called Objectified. It’s about product design. Exploring other mediums of creativity helps inspire and strengthen my own creativity.

What projects are you currently working on?
JACK PRESTON: I’m working on three projects. The first is a full length solo album called the Authentic. The next is a follow up to one of my 2010 releases the Sonikah Project that I did with producer Jon Bom from SF. I’m also producing an EP with my band/crew The Dojo Collective.

In 3 words A3C is gonna be

JACK PRESTON: “that fii shawty”

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
JACK PRESTON: I’d just like to give a S/O to RawRoots and A3C for reaching out and showing some love. Much appreciation.
- RawRoots

For those who don’t know, who is Jack Preston?
JACK PRESTON: Jack Preston is a MC, producer and instrumentalist based in Atlanta.

How did hip hop find you?
JACK PRESTON: I was born in the 80's, so hip hop was always around. As I came into adulthood I was already making different types of music, so it was quite natural to apply all that I had absorbed from Hip Hop while growing up. Hip hop transformed from being something that i thought was really cool, to being something that i love.

Are you looking forward to performing at A3C? Will this be your first time performing?
JACK PRESTON: Indeed, I’m always excited any time I have an opportunity to rock a crowd live. I performed at A3C for the first time in 2010, and it proved to be an especially fun festival. There was an electrifying energy in the building during my set last year. I plan to give it a good old fashion smashing again this year.

Which other artists are you most looking forward to seeing perform?
JACK PRESTON: I’m excited to catch Big K.R.I.T, Black Milk, Aleon Craft and Big Daddy Kane.

What can fans expect from your performance?
JACKPRESTON: I’ll have a trifecta of songstresses with me this year, as well as my DJ, Jay Smart. We don’t have much time, so we are going to give the crowd a lighting fast gut punching show. No time for breathing or chatting. Only head bobbing.

Who’s in your ipod right now?
JACK PRESTON: Parliment, Spree Wilson, BLK JKS, Aja Rae, BOSCO and RJD2 to name a few.

Last movie you watched?
JACK PRESTON: This movie called Objectified. It’s about product design. Exploring other mediums of creativity helps inspire and strengthen my own creativity.

What projects are you currently working on?
JACK PRESTON: I’m working on three projects. The first is a full length solo album called the Authentic. The next is a follow up to one of my 2010 releases the Sonikah Project that I did with producer Jon Bom from SF. I’m also producing an EP with my band/crew The Dojo Collective.

In 3 words A3C is gonna be

JACK PRESTON: “that fii shawty”

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
JACK PRESTON: I’d just like to give a S/O to RawRoots and A3C for reaching out and showing some love. Much appreciation.
- RawRoots

Dear hip hop,

We need to have a serious discussion. I’ve been in love with your diverse sounds since I was kid. I recall picking up my first rap record when I was eight years old. I purchased a copy of Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory and I was blown away by the jazzy and funked-out beats, Q-Tip’s chameleon-like flow and the beautiful soul and jazz samples utilized throughout the entire record. In that very moment, I was hooked, a cracked-out hip hop junkie going from corner store to corner store in search of the next fix.

But while hip hop and I have a really good thing going, we need to discuss the live aspect. Twenty drunk dudes onstage yelling incomprehensible words in my face, loud and droned-out beats through a crackling and shoddy PA system, little to no song transitions, half naked women dancing onstage in the hopes of getting a backstage pass (actually I can’t complain about that, but you catch my drift) — this is no way to establish an audience or build fan loyalty. The genre has certainly evolved over the past decade, but many live rap shows leave much to be desired. However, after watching the Mind Creatures and Jack Preston at the Earl last night, I feel local rappers and hip hop heads need to take note. Both of these acts are pushing the envelope when it comes to urban/hip hop shows and I feel their performances are an indicator of what the live rap show can eventually blossom into.

Jack Preston started out the night performing with his nine-piece funk and soul outfit called the Dojo Collective. I checked out Preston’s work online prior to going to the show and was surprised at how different the recordings are compared to the live material. The album has more of a traditional hip hop feel, but I heard more of the soul, funk and jazz influences from the live group. It was impressive to hear Preston synthesize the many layers and elements found on his solo material and fuse that neatly with a full band. I am a huge fan of live vocal harmonies and the Dojo Collective has three talented backup singers with entertaining dance choreography. In addition, the tripped-out sounds added by the trumpet player and DJ contributed to a more complex and rich live sound.

The next group was the Grand Prize Winners From Last Year. This group had more of an electro influence and they reminded me of Das Racist and LMFAO. Grand Prize Winners rocked out with some party numbers that appeal to the get crunk and still-partying-with-a-fake-ID crowd. I’m not the biggest supporter of that sound and ultimately found their show to be too heavily dependent on visuals and lacking in substantive content. Not my steeze, at all.

The Mind Creatures headlined the show and it was a well-deserved slot. I was blown away, not only by the level of talent from the musicians in their band, but also the professionalism and musical presentation of the entire show. The transitions between songs were very organic and natural, nothing felt forced or pushed upon the listener. Mind Creatures played a heavy, hard funk/rock set in the vein of bands like Soulive and even Rage Against the Machine, but they also had slower numbers which were a bit more free and relaxing. I felt their song “Centrifuge” was one of the best in their entire set; it’s a very catchy tune, but pushes the envelope in terms of its layered sounds and smart arrangement. Overall, the energy coming off the stage was frenetic and contagious. The band really locked in tight at this show and, although I hadn’t really heard much of this band before last night, I definitely plan to catch them again in the future. - Latest Disgrace

Dear hip hop,

We need to have a serious discussion. I’ve been in love with your diverse sounds since I was kid. I recall picking up my first rap record when I was eight years old. I purchased a copy of Tribe Called Quest’s Low End Theory and I was blown away by the jazzy and funked-out beats, Q-Tip’s chameleon-like flow and the beautiful soul and jazz samples utilized throughout the entire record. In that very moment, I was hooked, a cracked-out hip hop junkie going from corner store to corner store in search of the next fix.

But while hip hop and I have a really good thing going, we need to discuss the live aspect. Twenty drunk dudes onstage yelling incomprehensible words in my face, loud and droned-out beats through a crackling and shoddy PA system, little to no song transitions, half naked women dancing onstage in the hopes of getting a backstage pass (actually I can’t complain about that, but you catch my drift) — this is no way to establish an audience or build fan loyalty. The genre has certainly evolved over the past decade, but many live rap shows leave much to be desired. However, after watching the Mind Creatures and Jack Preston at the Earl last night, I feel local rappers and hip hop heads need to take note. Both of these acts are pushing the envelope when it comes to urban/hip hop shows and I feel their performances are an indicator of what the live rap show can eventually blossom into.

Jack Preston started out the night performing with his nine-piece funk and soul outfit called the Dojo Collective. I checked out Preston’s work online prior to going to the show and was surprised at how different the recordings are compared to the live material. The album has more of a traditional hip hop feel, but I heard more of the soul, funk and jazz influences from the live group. It was impressive to hear Preston synthesize the many layers and elements found on his solo material and fuse that neatly with a full band. I am a huge fan of live vocal harmonies and the Dojo Collective has three talented backup singers with entertaining dance choreography. In addition, the tripped-out sounds added by the trumpet player and DJ contributed to a more complex and rich live sound.

The next group was the Grand Prize Winners From Last Year. This group had more of an electro influence and they reminded me of Das Racist and LMFAO. Grand Prize Winners rocked out with some party numbers that appeal to the get crunk and still-partying-with-a-fake-ID crowd. I’m not the biggest supporter of that sound and ultimately found their show to be too heavily dependent on visuals and lacking in substantive content. Not my steeze, at all.

The Mind Creatures headlined the show and it was a well-deserved slot. I was blown away, not only by the level of talent from the musicians in their band, but also the professionalism and musical presentation of the entire show. The transitions between songs were very organic and natural, nothing felt forced or pushed upon the listener. Mind Creatures played a heavy, hard funk/rock set in the vein of bands like Soulive and even Rage Against the Machine, but they also had slower numbers which were a bit more free and relaxing. I felt their song “Centrifuge” was one of the best in their entire set; it’s a very catchy tune, but pushes the envelope in terms of its layered sounds and smart arrangement. Overall, the energy coming off the stage was frenetic and contagious. The band really locked in tight at this show and, although I hadn’t really heard much of this band before last night, I definitely plan to catch them again in the future. - Latest Disgrace

I swear his music is as serious as his face! Another talented guy met in Atlanta dayum!
He is a emcee, producer, musician but heyyyy tonight i don't feel like writing too much so check his link out it's banooooooodles! - Above Ground

I swear his music is as serious as his face! Another talented guy met in Atlanta dayum!
He is a emcee, producer, musician but heyyyy tonight i don't feel like writing too much so check his link out it's banooooooodles! - Above Ground

Remember this name: Jack Preston. His performance was one of the best I witnessed at the recent A3C Hip Hop Fest. And dude is prolific: The Atlanta-based producer/musician/MC's new EP, Trouble, is the fifth project he has released this year.

On top of that, he's been collaborating and performing live with a host of local artists, from noise-folk experimentalists Back Pockets to jazzy afro-punkster Bosco. Yeah, the cat has range.

The new five-song EP features production from him, including two instrumental tracks. My favorite of the moment is the title joint, "Trouble":

His EP release party and performance (with backing band the Dojo Collective) goes down tonight, so drop what you're doing and head on over if you wanna be up on thangs. I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Preston in the near future. - Creative Loafing

Remember this name: Jack Preston. His performance was one of the best I witnessed at the recent A3C Hip Hop Fest. And dude is prolific: The Atlanta-based producer/musician/MC's new EP, Trouble, is the fifth project he has released this year.

On top of that, he's been collaborating and performing live with a host of local artists, from noise-folk experimentalists Back Pockets to jazzy afro-punkster Bosco. Yeah, the cat has range.

The new five-song EP features production from him, including two instrumental tracks. My favorite of the moment is the title joint, "Trouble":

His EP release party and performance (with backing band the Dojo Collective) goes down tonight, so drop what you're doing and head on over if you wanna be up on thangs. I have a feeling we'll be hearing a lot more from Mr. Preston in the near future. - Creative Loafing

Whether you’re talking about Jamaica or Haiti, South Africa or the slums of New Orleans, the cry of the oppressed plays a similar chord. So it’s not surprising that grassroots hip-hop and reggae have always shared a connection that extends beyond the bouncy, melodic grooves and into the very heart of the music. Consider the complexity in Bob Marley’s simple 1974 cry: “Them belly full but we hungry, a hungry man is an angry man…” Thirty-plus years later, Atlanta-based hip-hop renaissance man, Jack Preston makes a declaration on “Trouble” that resonates in much the same way: “It’s tragic the way they try to rape my people of they passion/system designed to take the last of they ration/I’m on that brash sh-t…” - Creative Loafing

Whether you’re talking about Jamaica or Haiti, South Africa or the slums of New Orleans, the cry of the oppressed plays a similar chord. So it’s not surprising that grassroots hip-hop and reggae have always shared a connection that extends beyond the bouncy, melodic grooves and into the very heart of the music. Consider the complexity in Bob Marley’s simple 1974 cry: “Them belly full but we hungry, a hungry man is an angry man…” Thirty-plus years later, Atlanta-based hip-hop renaissance man, Jack Preston makes a declaration on “Trouble” that resonates in much the same way: “It’s tragic the way they try to rape my people of they passion/system designed to take the last of they ration/I’m on that brash sh-t…” - Creative Loafing

Hot on the heels of releasing his latest album, End of the Future, Jack Preston strikes again with "Future's End/Future's Beginning." The song and the video turn a black mirror on the eye of the beholder.

Preston is putting everything on the line with this latest round of songs and videos. Steam is building, but the future is unwritten. Anxiety over plunging headlong into the unknown without a safety net is what this Vek Neal-directed visual blast is all about. But it also comes with a message about taking the time to appreciate the here and now. Making the most of the living moment and embracing one-on-one interaction seems to be a lost art in the era of the iPhone. “Future's End/Future's Beginning” is all about reminding yourself to make the most of the time between. Tomorrow may never come. Press play for more. - Creative Loafing

In a recent interview, Big Daddy Kane said he could tell he wouldn’t be relevant when he released his final full-length, because he rapped behind the beat and modern rappers rap in front of the beat. Twenty years later, MCs still consider this the contemporary form. That’s when rappers like Outkast began to prosper. Fellow ATL son, Jack Preston, is another one of those MCs. End of the Future, is rife with electro synths and ethereal beats. The album also invites and intersects many live instruments. Preston’s ideas and delivery flutter within the space of the speakers. His soulful voice is undeniably seductive.

The first three tracks are parallel to present radio rap, but higher quality. Preston is not sated by the simplicity of the modern approach. In these confines he begins to explore the boundaries of the minimalistic framework. Of the first three tracks, two are fun and exploratory, especially “On Occasion” with Alex Lee, playing the female protagonist. But for social impact, “Replay” is exceptional. The sound effects interplay with spacey tangents and an old school drum pad. Preston’s lyrics are provocative and intelligent as he examines how he fits in the hip hop world and society.

“Off the Ground” is where the album truly elevates, for me. A live bass (Sean Stillenger), trumpet (Born Foster), and sax (Frank Houston) and silky vocal (Micah Woods) push this to a catchy tune that leaves an imprint. It makes you feel good while thinking; could be for cocktails in the lounge or for a ride in the whip. Jon Bom from the Bay Area definitely lends what must be his upbringing, a there is a West Coast feel threaded throughout the album. Lush landscapes to party vibes supply atmosphere, while never compromising the subject matter.

“Hit ‘Em” and “The Ness” are excitable joints that showcase the albums best qualities. “Hit ‘Em” lets Preston loose on the mic with no apology. Bragging on his crew’s skills over a swirling trumpet and bubbling keys and turntables, Preston focuses on lyricism. Proving they got bars, Preston and blctxt and Sa-Roc comply to just dope spitting that gets your head nodding. “The Ness” is an introspective, space tinted adventure. Low key and misty, Preston reflects on cathartic processes and edification. His flow and Southern charisma aids in the confidence building of a gifted preacher.

“As I lay mortar for these recorders strength in the foundation/ of sound facing/ out the speakers, it’s a daily occupation/ facing life distractions/ with actions/ of real passion/ sudden events can have my psyche in a backspin”

Continuing the humility and maturity that is often missing from hip hop, “Day By Day” showcases the mission statement of Preston.

“build with construction of better us’s – make sure that our families estates are in better trust/
the hustle for money’s cool, but I’d rather my spit is for justice/ bust for something of more meaning than some cash and some lust”

The track has a playful, almost lullaby piano pattern. The placid vibe is like being woken by a lover gently on a sunny Sunday. It’s a sermon to those who have the patience and desire to get through the present for a better future. (Hutch)

RIYL: Outkast, Common, Digable Planets, Slum Village, Pharcyde, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Murs - New Noise Magazine

Jack Preston has an important and necessary message for listeners. On his latest self-produced song “It’s Okay,” Preston raps positive lyrics of encouragement and perseverance no matter what obstacle you may face in life.

Preston is also working on the release of his forthcoming project titled End of The Future set to drop this summer. The compilation arrives nearly five years since Preston stepped away from the musical scene, but fans won’t have to wait any longer for it to drop. - Vibe

Released last week, End of the Future is the fresh squeeze from Atlanta emcee Jack Preston’s impressive and growing discography. The stardust-covered cosmic funk-a-saur was mused and infused coast-to-coast by Preston and Bay Area beatsmith Jon Bom. The 13-track LP is the much anticipated follow-up to their 2010 EP, The Sonikah Project.

Cuts like album opener “Future’s End” and “Off the Ground” showcase the modern capabilities of Preston’s mature lyricism. The use of syllabic variation throughout the album is a direct reflection of his ability to propagate the technical concepts of his poetry within his hierarchical messages that strive for a reconciliation and celebration of the spirit and intelligence of hip hop in all its forms. Musically, “Future’s End” lets that thick hip hop drop with an open buffet of electronic tones dressed in old-school funk memes, while “Off The Ground” features back-breaking bass lines that will take your grind straight through the slats in the dance floor. The warm horns feel as though they are conversing about the complexities of our temporal existence over hot coffee and cigarettes in a dimly lit diner somewhere on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Horn sections such as these are an object of supreme composition that many strive for but few possess.

Indeed, Bom opens portals to new dimensions that allow Preston to flex his gentleman’s veracity which he wraps in a silk cloak that could have accompanied Outkast on their interstellar explorations. Yet, he and Bom do not come alone. Preston cordially corroborates with his extended musical family which includes The Dojo Collective, Sa-Roc, Yamin Semali, blctxt, MICAHteer and Alex Lee of LeVice. This blending of East and West Coast minds melds classic elements of jazz, evolutions of electronic, and revolutions of hip hop, new and old. In this way the album is capable of arming the listener with technicolor resonances of the past, disarming the fear of the present, and alarming the listener of the future’s possible intentions.

Make sure to check out the brand new video for “Future’s End”/”Future’s Beginning” and the rest of these ear-watering tracks on Bandcamp as we eagerly await Preston and Bom’s future submergence to the depths of cutting-edge hip hop. - Immersive Atlanta