Jean P's "Just Because 2" Review

Jean P is an emcee that hails from Canton, Ohio and has released a slew of projects over the last five years. A couple weeks ago he released what I believe is his 12th project entitled “Just Because 2”. Jean recently got signed to J Rawls Polar Entertainment Label and this is his first release since the signing If I had to bet chances are you haven't heard of Jean P (until now), he's not your MTV swag rapper, talking about popping mollies and stealing your girl. Rather he's an emcee that pays homage to the old school lyricists that came before him, but at the same time makes it sound catchy and will grab your ear The album starts with “New Ways PSA” which pays tribute to the old school sound with a beat produced by DJ Manipulator, but Jean just goes in. He's always had a knack for telling the listener to go out there and get yours, if you have a dream you're going to have to go and get it and not let anyone stop you from doing so. The deep bassline and the drums will have old school heads breaking their backs over this beat. Joints like this are the norm for Jean “Seize the Day” is another that has the motivational feel to it The very next track is the single “Clap”. I wanted to touch this track because those who are familiar with Jean's music will notice this a bit of a change from the type of production he rhymes over. Production was done by fellow crew member LAKIM (put the two together and you have the crew Opposites Attract) who has been experimenting with different sounds and genres since the two put out their first record. And at first I have to admit I wasn't feeling the song, but after a couple spins it grabs you. Need a party song? This is it, it's just a fun song to just enjoy the nightlife with. “Flash” has NASA8 producer oriJanius creating a sound that is different from the majority of what Jean would usually rhyme over, however it works. Bragadocious rhymes and a bit of humor make this joint a fun listen and one you might have on repeat Flip the script and the very next joint “Rocking With the Best” (also produced by LAKIM) goes back to the underground sound with the pounding drums and a bassline that just sounds magnificent. If you compare this track to the previous one you can see the diversity between both Jean and LAKIM. Jean spends the joint reminiscing over his time growing up, between video games, clowning with friends and more. This joint and the one previously mentioned has me excited for the new project the two are coming out with The middle of the tape is the nitty gritty of the tape, Jean allows the listener into what has been going on the last year of his life. “Courtyard 2301” is my favorite track on this album and might be my favorite track from Jean since “Don't Look Back”. The beat by Conz fits the subject matter of heartbreak and defeat that Jean had faced in the past. Jean holds nothing back on this joint, you can just feel the pain, frustration, anger and sadness that he faced during this time. In a genre that embraces those who pretend to have it all together it's nice to see Jean taking the route and the chance to be vulnerable “Just Because 2” is a full length project meant to hold us over until 1) The new Opposites Attract album drops and 2) Jean's debut album “Hometown Hero” drops. And this is a solid album that will hold you, it never gets boring you're getting different types of production and different types of song topics from Jean. Even after the first 12 tracks are done you pretty much get a little remix EP from jamaal who goes and remixes some of Jean's older joints. The joint is FREE fam, so there's really no excuse for you to not pick it up.....you can thank me later for introducing him to you. Also shoutout to Jean for not shouting me out on the album ya mitch