JL BHOOD

I’ve seen JL (pictured) perform a few times, but I haven’t heard much in the way of recordings. The beats on this EP were cooked up by my man Info Gates, who I’m also more familiar with as an MC than as a producer. So, I was curious. Heavy Metal Objects is available on JL’s bandcamp page to stream for free or five bones to download the whole thing.

Since it’s only six tracks and I can embed ‘em all pretty easily, I’m just gonna give a quick rundown of each track.

1. H.M.O. Intro
H.M.O. Intro by JL of B.Hood
I’m impressed with the intro for how well it functions as an intro. The music builds step by step, from church organ to moog, which alone is a quirky combo in my mind. Actually, I realized Info loves the sound of organs, digital or analog, all over this EP. The drums don’t drop until a full minute into the song. JL kicks it off with a casual, cipher-style flow with solid Midwestern wordplay. What really sold me is how he subtly worked in a nod to some of his influences (“Mo Murda Mo’s what I heard, learnin’ the words, built a foundation”) and the personal reasons that he raps. Plus, he throws in a few rapid bars and I’m a sucker for speedy delivery like any good Kansas City kid.

2. Take Under
Take Under by JL of B.Hood
This is the car track, if you ask me. It’s got wild kick-snare slaps and deranged space carnival instrumentation. JL spits with a tinge of Bay Area silliness and overpronunciation. Or, at least I always sense some Bay flavor when I find myself bobbing my head in a circle instead of up-and-down, haha. It’s fun. Download it and crank it in your system.

3. For The Win ft. Cuddy Mac
For The Win ft Cuddy Mac by JL of B.Hood
Noise. We got a steady metal scale riff on the electric guitar, and a metric shit-ton of crash cymbal. Cuddy Mac spits frantically, sounding like he’s yelling raps from a padded room. JL goes in with that same urgency. “They say our chances to make it are paper thin, but I never listen to them, I’m goin in for the win.” The structure of this song is weird. It’s not your standard verse-chorus alternation, but more like a series of breakdowns, with layers of instruments coming and going unexpectedly.

4. The Midi
The Midi by JL of B.Hood
DJs pay attention and get your PayPal accounts handy. Especially you dubstep remix heads. Plodding bass line and a sludgy Godemis vocal sample at the start should be enough to get your attention. By the way, Info Gates, plugging all these keys into this track and titling it “The Midi”… I see what you did there. JL’s first verse pulls the chop out and goes fully with rapidity. His second verse almost reminds me of Brother Ali for a few bars but then he turns on the afterburners again.

5. Delta ft Joey Cool & Mel Balu
Delta ft Joey Cool & Mel Balu by JL of B.Hood
Maybe I’m making this up, because I’m not a smoker, but this sounds like the weed head song to me. Joey Cool and Mel Balu both bring verses that are simultaneously energetic and mega chill.

6. Like A Rock ft Vi Royal & Zoo of B.Hood

Like A Rock ft Vi Royal & Zoo of B.Hood by JL of B.Hood
Okay, I never thought I’d hear a rapper make a Vinny Testaverde reference. Oh, and when I saw the title “Like A Rock,” I was just happy to find out there weren’t any Bob Seger samples. This is a good closing song, it brings some of the themes full circle to the intro. I’ve never heard anyone from B.Hood besides JL before, so it’s good to hear what a crew track might be like. The grinding tempo of this one has a little more Southern flavor to it and gets a little hypnotizing. It’s 4 minutes long, but seems kinda short for some reason. Or, I’ll say that if there were 3 minutes of instrumental appended to the end of it, I’d probably just zone out and groove til it faded out and not even notice. Another one for you smot pokers out there.

You clearly have the intarwebz if you’re reading this, so you have no excuse not to give that shit a listen… whether or not you value my verbose play-by-play.
- Demencha Magazine - Nick Ah-Loe

I had been completely oblivious to JL’s or B Hood for that matters music up until now.
I’d heard them on another song but in ignorance ignored the talent at that moment.
People are always quick to say “oh, man, your missing out” and then I go check out the artist they talking about and they suck donkey dick.

Whereas, JL from the first song “Sporadic Brain Matter” shows that he’s an undeniable lyricist who gives quiet a few people who feature later on to this CD a run for there money, this is on some bravado which I usually shrug at because so many rappers do songs like this but very few can execute them as well as this one.
Also, as soon as I pressed play, JL’s voice erupted from the speakers and it occurred too me that this dude sounds a lot like Brotha Lynch Hung, possibly a bit of Lynch influence in his style?

“Don’t Say You Love Me” is a song with Kansas City King Tech N9ne, for all he motherfuckers that don’t take MC’s - let alone people - at face value and can’t look behind the glamor too find the real human being so to speak, yet people want to go behind there back when critiquing them rather than saying it to there face, it’s the story of those people we all know, who put on a front but when you turn around there a completely different person.
Snake in the grass…

Further on there’s a joint, “Perfect Time” featuring Adrian Truth, that has a more laid back, G Funky R&B vibe to it and of course with that comes to a dedicated to that special lady in JL’s life.

JL and Irv Da Phenom go in on the next one, “Hustle and Flow”, where both MC’s chop it up with a shout out too there fellow artists who are down with the movement, while trading deserving boast over an eventful soundscape, continuing to grind it out until the last second.
Unfortunately, JL falls victim too the typical gangsta clichés on, “Ready”, which I ended up skipping due too the generic rhymes and poppy sounding beat.

On this next cut, Strange Music representative Kutt Calhoun and one of JL’s B Hood cohorts Vi Royal speak on “snakes in the grass and rats on the road” on the “Art of Envy”, that portrays detractors who feed off jealously in an attempt to bring them down through an almost pathetic envy.

“UnPlug” is a surprisingly introspective song where JL spits bars about how social media has greatly affected our society, not only in a good way but has ruined so many peoples lives and caused loneliness, depression & hurt.
We’re convinced that everything we do is private and all our information is protected on time.
JL’s probably the first artist how I’ve actually heard make a full song about such a big issue an in such a phenomenal way that deserves mad props, Bre the 1st Lady puts the icing on the cake when crooning the hook.

“Crazy” is a paranoid anthem for all that anxious people or just the straight up stoners, doubts fills JL’s rhymes as he tears each word a new arsehole, crawling down the ambient like symphony instrumental, accompanying his anxiety induced thoughts.

“Do You Believe” features JL and Reach analyzing conspiracies, from UFO’s to The Holy Coorong, questioning absolutely anything and everything that people conspire about, whether its completely far fetched or well grounded reasoning, they ask…DO YOU BELIEVE?

“Diamonds” is a good example of a song that the title may deceive you, I thought it was going to be some sort of “get money” bullshit anthem but the want happen on JL’s watch, smashing the expectations of both supporters and doubters have for him and the life of a successful rapper with a tight beat and a soulful voice to follow his hard hitting lyrics, this one is a certified banger.

“Lose it All” has got a humble vibe with JL reflecting on the fact he has been blessed with gifts but all the success could crumble at anytime from mistakes both he and Zoo of B. Hood who lay down verses that are both equally honest, with Bre the 1st Lady’s voice sounding off in the back round.
The finally track, “Let Go”, is a big look back at the past for JL, considering if he hadn’t made a decision he wouldn’t been in a position that he is, doing what he loves and enjoying himself like he is.
Actions speak louder than words.

8/10 – JL thrives with potential, which at sometimes falters but more often than not JL shows passion that not many artist display this day.
As JL strides forward further onto the road of success, he may not be able to guarantee all his dreams but he can guarantee one thing:
He just gained another fan.
- FunkVolumeForums - Perfect Stranger

I had been completely oblivious to JL’s or B Hood for that matters music up until now.
I’d heard them on another song but in ignorance ignored the talent at that moment.
People are always quick to say “oh, man, your missing out” and then I go check out the artist they talking about and they suck donkey dick.

Whereas, JL from the first song “Sporadic Brain Matter” shows that he’s an undeniable lyricist who gives quiet a few people who feature later on to this CD a run for there money, this is on some bravado which I usually shrug at because so many rappers do songs like this but very few can execute them as well as this one.
Also, as soon as I pressed play, JL’s voice erupted from the speakers and it occurred too me that this dude sounds a lot like Brotha Lynch Hung, possibly a bit of Lynch influence in his style?

“Don’t Say You Love Me” is a song with Kansas City King Tech N9ne, for all he motherfuckers that don’t take MC’s - let alone people - at face value and can’t look behind the glamor too find the real human being so to speak, yet people want to go behind there back when critiquing them rather than saying it to there face, it’s the story of those people we all know, who put on a front but when you turn around there a completely different person.
Snake in the grass…

Further on there’s a joint, “Perfect Time” featuring Adrian Truth, that has a more laid back, G Funky R&B vibe to it and of course with that comes to a dedicated to that special lady in JL’s life.

JL and Irv Da Phenom go in on the next one, “Hustle and Flow”, where both MC’s chop it up with a shout out too there fellow artists who are down with the movement, while trading deserving boast over an eventful soundscape, continuing to grind it out until the last second.
Unfortunately, JL falls victim too the typical gangsta clichés on, “Ready”, which I ended up skipping due too the generic rhymes and poppy sounding beat.

On this next cut, Strange Music representative Kutt Calhoun and one of JL’s B Hood cohorts Vi Royal speak on “snakes in the grass and rats on the road” on the “Art of Envy”, that portrays detractors who feed off jealously in an attempt to bring them down through an almost pathetic envy.

“UnPlug” is a surprisingly introspective song where JL spits bars about how social media has greatly affected our society, not only in a good way but has ruined so many peoples lives and caused loneliness, depression & hurt.
We’re convinced that everything we do is private and all our information is protected on time.
JL’s probably the first artist how I’ve actually heard make a full song about such a big issue an in such a phenomenal way that deserves mad props, Bre the 1st Lady puts the icing on the cake when crooning the hook.

“Crazy” is a paranoid anthem for all that anxious people or just the straight up stoners, doubts fills JL’s rhymes as he tears each word a new arsehole, crawling down the ambient like symphony instrumental, accompanying his anxiety induced thoughts.

“Do You Believe” features JL and Reach analyzing conspiracies, from UFO’s to The Holy Coorong, questioning absolutely anything and everything that people conspire about, whether its completely far fetched or well grounded reasoning, they ask…DO YOU BELIEVE?

“Diamonds” is a good example of a song that the title may deceive you, I thought it was going to be some sort of “get money” bullshit anthem but the want happen on JL’s watch, smashing the expectations of both supporters and doubters have for him and the life of a successful rapper with a tight beat and a soulful voice to follow his hard hitting lyrics, this one is a certified banger.

“Lose it All” has got a humble vibe with JL reflecting on the fact he has been blessed with gifts but all the success could crumble at anytime from mistakes both he and Zoo of B. Hood who lay down verses that are both equally honest, with Bre the 1st Lady’s voice sounding off in the back round.
The finally track, “Let Go”, is a big look back at the past for JL, considering if he hadn’t made a decision he wouldn’t been in a position that he is, doing what he loves and enjoying himself like he is.
Actions speak louder than words.

8/10 – JL thrives with potential, which at sometimes falters but more often than not JL shows passion that not many artist display this day.
As JL strides forward further onto the road of success, he may not be able to guarantee all his dreams but he can guarantee one thing:
He just gained another fan.
- FunkVolumeForums - Perfect Stranger

JL of Kansas City based hip hop group, B.Hood, just released his new album called Brain Scatter on Friday. While Nick Ah-Loe reviewed JL’s project with Info Gates a couple of months ago HERE, this latest project from JL may be just as solid. JL weaves his words around the fifteen beats from Smartalec like a Ferrari through impending rush hour, exhibits a flashy capability for hooks, and will probably remind you of one of your favorite rappers at some point during this listen. His flow jumps around quite a bit, but not long enough for you to put your finger on exactly who he “sounds like”. While information and details about this Smartalec character are murky over here at the Demencha HQ out South, the beats he linked to JL for this record slap harder than an old fashioned pimp hand, reassuring everyone that JL’s music is not to be slept on. Blogger types out there might want to pop an Adderall before trying delve into JL’s lyrics on this one. But pay attention either way, because JL seems to be on a distinguished road with an engine of sheer talent.
- Demencha Magazine - Chris Mills

Artist: JL of B.Hood
Album: Brain Scatter
Produced by: Alec “SmartAlec” Sartianno
Released: August 18th, 2012

Methodic Mind. Sporadic Spitter. (Brain Scatter Album Review)

A couple of weeks ago if one would’ve asked me who JL was, I would’ve likely thought you said “Jay El”, as in Jay Electronica. However, after listening to Brain Scatter’s 15 songs, I have no clue how I’ve slept on JL this long. I’m downright ashamed. As a Chi-Town native, where we take pride in our ability to tongue twist, the fact that most Chicagoans are oblivious to one of the best choppers I’ve ever witnessed is a sad statement about how ignorant we are to the exceptionally talented people in various regions, especially the K.C., MO! If you like real hip hop, excellently balanced with street consciousness and honest self-reflection, you’ll love Brain Scatter, especially if you have an affinity for breathtaking delivery and rhyme styles.

“Sporadic Brain Matter“

The very first song begins with scary synths layered on top of one another, a sound seemingly appropriate for a Strange Music presentation. The percussion eases in just before JL’s vocals demand your attention: “I be so ZONED OUT!” The 808’s proceed to bang yo’ brain away! The song improves as it progresses. J.L. opens with a sick verse that only gets better through the hook, which is also sick, by the way. The hook compliments the fast choppin’ vocals in the first verse with a less syllabic stream of words: “Let’s-get-right-in-to-it. This is pure dope- real folk-trunk poppin’ music…” as the DJ scratches the shit outta the hook, invoking a genuine scatter brain sensation. The improvement continues into the 2nd verse, showcasing JL’s ability to switch styles, while maintaining a captivating cadence. He begins the 2nd verse melodically before he speeds it up and chops the track to pieces: “I’ma nigga wit a master plan- But I really am a basket case- All that I really know is BUSTIN- Chop on percussion, AYE!” He switches the tempo mid-verse, switching from tongue twistin’ to a more mainstream style: “Good music, no Kanye- Ridin’ round to dat “Free Doom” – Take a sip of dat Cognac- If you rockin’ wit me then please do.” We rockin’ witchu, JL!

“Don’t Say You Love Me“ ft. Tech N9ne

Vote for this song to appear on the upcoming Coast 2 Coast mixtape, hosted by Melanie Fiona. A poignant song with a powerful chorus, this is the perfect anthem for puttin’ those snakes in the grass on blast. This track also conveys a creepy, “Horrorcore “ type feel, commencing with eerie keys that one would find in a nursery nightmare. Like the opening song, JL’s first verse sets the pace, picking up intensity as the song goes along. Tech N9ne absolutely annihilates this song: definitely one of the best spitters in the game. Tech N9ne adds a melody at the end of his verse that leads into the last chorus impeccably. JL and Tech N9ne’s chemistry is virtually unmatched; I’d love to see them do an entire album together. If you feel like you’ve ever been targeted by selfish opportunists, users, or gold diggers, this is yo’ mu’fuckin’ joint! The chorus will instantaneously have you hooked.

“D.I.B.K.I.S. (Do It Big, Keep It Strange)“

The third banger in a row, this is one of the album’s hit singles. Smart Alec’s keys are hypnotic, enticing you before the drums kick in. Like the preceding songs, JL’s first verse begins very mild mannered, but picks up speed as the verse goes along. The 2nd verse starts similarly to 1st verse’s beginning, laid back: “The system want me dead or in a cell- Mama wanna see me graduate from Yale- All you haters wanna see me fail- I just wanna hit the stage and watch you muthafuckas yell…” It soon picks up speed like the middle of the first verse, however much more powerful and rapid. He ends each verse well with a nice segway into the chorus: “…Chillin like a villain- paint drippin’, not dealin’- cash checks, not stealin’- God willin’, make a mill-i-on…” He tastefully glorifies his life of lawfulness, while maintain a genuine street edge, a refreshing contrast to the stereotypical association between street oriented dudes and lives of crime. In an age where every rapper with street appeal “has” to be a criminal of some sort, many hip hop heads respect JL’s bold decision to go against the grain. If you rock with the real, then you gotta respect JL!

“Perfect Team“ ft. Adrian Truth

The album takes a turn at this song’s inception. The high pitched, synthesized whistles give the beat a real laid back, West coast vibe. This track is suitable to cruise to, palm trees in the rearview mirror, and your lady riding shotgun. This is one track is where Smart Alec really showcased his versatility in music production.

“Hustle & Flow“ ft. Irv Da Phenom

As soon as the beat drops, the album takes another turn back down the path originally formed by the first three songs. JL begins his verse with an incredible cadence that soon switc - Yadamedia - KO Johnson

Artist: JL of B.Hood
Album: Brain Scatter
Produced by: Alec “SmartAlec” Sartianno
Released: August 18th, 2012

Methodic Mind. Sporadic Spitter. (Brain Scatter Album Review)

A couple of weeks ago if one would’ve asked me who JL was, I would’ve likely thought you said “Jay El”, as in Jay Electronica. However, after listening to Brain Scatter’s 15 songs, I have no clue how I’ve slept on JL this long. I’m downright ashamed. As a Chi-Town native, where we take pride in our ability to tongue twist, the fact that most Chicagoans are oblivious to one of the best choppers I’ve ever witnessed is a sad statement about how ignorant we are to the exceptionally talented people in various regions, especially the K.C., MO! If you like real hip hop, excellently balanced with street consciousness and honest self-reflection, you’ll love Brain Scatter, especially if you have an affinity for breathtaking delivery and rhyme styles.

“Sporadic Brain Matter“

The very first song begins with scary synths layered on top of one another, a sound seemingly appropriate for a Strange Music presentation. The percussion eases in just before JL’s vocals demand your attention: “I be so ZONED OUT!” The 808’s proceed to bang yo’ brain away! The song improves as it progresses. J.L. opens with a sick verse that only gets better through the hook, which is also sick, by the way. The hook compliments the fast choppin’ vocals in the first verse with a less syllabic stream of words: “Let’s-get-right-in-to-it. This is pure dope- real folk-trunk poppin’ music…” as the DJ scratches the shit outta the hook, invoking a genuine scatter brain sensation. The improvement continues into the 2nd verse, showcasing JL’s ability to switch styles, while maintaining a captivating cadence. He begins the 2nd verse melodically before he speeds it up and chops the track to pieces: “I’ma nigga wit a master plan- But I really am a basket case- All that I really know is BUSTIN- Chop on percussion, AYE!” He switches the tempo mid-verse, switching from tongue twistin’ to a more mainstream style: “Good music, no Kanye- Ridin’ round to dat “Free Doom” – Take a sip of dat Cognac- If you rockin’ wit me then please do.” We rockin’ witchu, JL!

“Don’t Say You Love Me“ ft. Tech N9ne

Vote for this song to appear on the upcoming Coast 2 Coast mixtape, hosted by Melanie Fiona. A poignant song with a powerful chorus, this is the perfect anthem for puttin’ those snakes in the grass on blast. This track also conveys a creepy, “Horrorcore “ type feel, commencing with eerie keys that one would find in a nursery nightmare. Like the opening song, JL’s first verse sets the pace, picking up intensity as the song goes along. Tech N9ne absolutely annihilates this song: definitely one of the best spitters in the game. Tech N9ne adds a melody at the end of his verse that leads into the last chorus impeccably. JL and Tech N9ne’s chemistry is virtually unmatched; I’d love to see them do an entire album together. If you feel like you’ve ever been targeted by selfish opportunists, users, or gold diggers, this is yo’ mu’fuckin’ joint! The chorus will instantaneously have you hooked.

“D.I.B.K.I.S. (Do It Big, Keep It Strange)“

The third banger in a row, this is one of the album’s hit singles. Smart Alec’s keys are hypnotic, enticing you before the drums kick in. Like the preceding songs, JL’s first verse begins very mild mannered, but picks up speed as the verse goes along. The 2nd verse starts similarly to 1st verse’s beginning, laid back: “The system want me dead or in a cell- Mama wanna see me graduate from Yale- All you haters wanna see me fail- I just wanna hit the stage and watch you muthafuckas yell…” It soon picks up speed like the middle of the first verse, however much more powerful and rapid. He ends each verse well with a nice segway into the chorus: “…Chillin like a villain- paint drippin’, not dealin’- cash checks, not stealin’- God willin’, make a mill-i-on…” He tastefully glorifies his life of lawfulness, while maintain a genuine street edge, a refreshing contrast to the stereotypical association between street oriented dudes and lives of crime. In an age where every rapper with street appeal “has” to be a criminal of some sort, many hip hop heads respect JL’s bold decision to go against the grain. If you rock with the real, then you gotta respect JL!

“Perfect Team“ ft. Adrian Truth

The album takes a turn at this song’s inception. The high pitched, synthesized whistles give the beat a real laid back, West coast vibe. This track is suitable to cruise to, palm trees in the rearview mirror, and your lady riding shotgun. This is one track is where Smart Alec really showcased his versatility in music production.

“Hustle & Flow“ ft. Irv Da Phenom

As soon as the beat drops, the album takes another turn back down the path originally formed by the first three songs. JL begins his verse with an incredible cadence that soon switc - Yadamedia - KO Johnson