Fans of the fast rising Granville Sessions/ Moose Funk Squad family will be no stranger to Jester Jacobs, the rapid fire MC who shone throughout last years ‘Moose Tape Vol 1’, and who has released a couple of solo projects, the first of which was 2008’s ‘Mental Disorder’, which included the well received single ‘Blap’ , followed by 2010’s ‘More of The Sane’ EP.
After a solo hiatus, during which Jacobs has found acclaim on the stand up comedy circuit, Jester returns with his new album, ‘Chicken Souped Up’. 22 tracks deep, the project covers a range of topics, from 1st world problems, selling ham, to medieval warfare and trips away with Harry Styles, and is littered with pop culture references including Peep Show, Vanessa Feltz (who im fairly sure has a cheeky cameo at the beginning of the track ‘Feltzing’) and Jack Whitehall to name but a few.
The rapid fire, aggressive flows of Jacobs are in contrast to his self deprecating, very British lyrics, which portray the struggles of an artist trying to make it, as well as the day to day trials and tribulations that we all face. Jacobs explains the feel of the album…..
“The overall message of CSU is one of begrudging acceptance. Although I may never reach the dizzying heights of my contemporaries, at least I can take pleasure from articulating my own tragic downfall in the trajectory of British rap music. It is in many ways like the North London Jewish equivalent of ‘Boy In Da Corner.’ In fact, rather tellingly, the albums original title was ‘Boy In Da Deli.”
Although this may sound a little melancholy, the album is an up beat affair and features some interesting and varied production, with not a single track sounding similar. Add to this Jesters rugged style and quick fire delivery, witty and honest lyrics, and a smattering of guest verses from the Moose Funk Squad members and you have an original, honest, funny and most of all neck snappingly funky release, which should go somewhat towards pushing Jacobs further towards the recognition he deserves.
Words; Chris
Stream and download Jester Jacobs ‘Chicken Souped Up’ here
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