Jack Wilson

Now here is a real treat. A supreme mix from MR. OWL, he has gathered artists/producers from all over this planet to present us a truly amazing experience. Including beats by folks like MALEFIQUE, YAHN LOOKE PICKARD, PROF.LOGIK, HANDBOOK, and many many many more, this mix ups the ante by throwing the master of ceremonies, Jack Wilson, on some supreme spoken word trip that lasts nearly the greater length of this epic collection. - Grappa Frisbee Records

Although I often find myself frustrated and depressed by the barrage of bullshit that floods my Soundcloud inbox; however, sometimes, whilst wading through the anonymous links of producers longing for recognition, there is a moment of magic. And this Consumers Become Producers mixtape by Mr. Owl (of Dominate Force) and Jack Wilson is one of the more inventive concepts (and uses for Soundcloud), I’ve heard in a while. - SickChirpse.com

Pittsburgh’s poetry and hip-hop circuit veteran Jack Wilson might have left the ‘Burgh for greener pastures, but he’s still a native at heart. You might remember our recent interview with Mr. Owl in which we talked about Jack and Owl’s recent collaboration, the ‘Consumers Become Producers’ mixtape and corresponding follow-up project. We were graced with the gift of an exclusive track from the duo and are very excited to announce its premiere, which you can check out over here! We also had a chance to catch up with Jack to discuss what else he’s been up to since the big move to Baltimore. Here it is. - NakYouOut.com

Remember the old days, when sampling someone's record meant praying they wouldn't find out and sue? In a post-Negativland, post-Girl Talk (and some say, post-hip-hop) musical environment, that may be a thing of the past. Pittsburgh emcee Jack Wilson, a.k.a. DJ Brewer, certainly hopes so: His new album, Take the Fire From My Hand, consists to a large extent of him rapping over clearly identified indie-rock and euro-pop songs.

Wilson describes the tracks as "attempts to make new versions of pre-existing songs by adding my words to them," and his lyrics often directly engage with the song and address the project's concept. Over a Tapes n' Tapes riff, he raps, "this ain't making anybody rich or getting dishes did / just a bit of spittin' from a motivated Pittsburgh kid."

And perhaps the project isn't entirely unauthorized: "Air France and the Super Furry Animals have heard the tracks and given me their OK to use them," Wilson says. But that leaves Phoenix, DJ Krush, DJ Shadow, John Vanderslice and others in unwitting duets; "Imitosis" is essentially the Andrew Bird song of same name with Wilson rapping over the breakdowns.

Wilson cracks wise by sampling The Verve (famously sued by The Rolling Stones for copyright infringement), and one of the three locally produced tracks, by Spaed, is titled "Clap Your Hands Say Yeah," a nod to the indie-rock theme. Omar-Abdul produces and guests on the eerie groove "Misunderstood," and locals Billy Pilgrim, Obsolete and DUMs also guest.

Take the Fire, a free download at www.takethefire.com, gets a limited-edition physical release this Fri., Dec. 18, at Shadow Lounge, where Wilson plans to perform the tracks in order. Get yours before the cease-and-desist. - Steel City Media