With A Bottle Of Whup Ass, J Zone returns with his second EP, which is terribly labeled considering this runs well over thirty minutes. Along with his first album Music For Tu Madre, this is held in very high regard nowadays, but each sold approximately ten copies when they were released. The big appeal with this guy was his geniusly self produced instrumentals and his commonly expressed views on the decline of hip hop. This release that is our topic today is generally regarded as the better of the two, as is containes every likable aspect of the first album but to a higher degree.
So why did I pick to write about this album first? No particular reason other than I liked this one better and I'm in the mood to be positive about music. I know I'm giving away my opinion of the album but I don't think there way ever any suspense since I cared enough to review such a remote project.
So does this album hold up thirteen years after its original release? I'm guessing yes but I've been wrong before...
1. Hitchcock
Here we have a "glass half empty, half full" look on the track. A pessimist would these 22 seconds as unneeded and stop listening to the album immediately. The optimist sees this as 22 seconds that wouldn't kill you to lose. I happen to be the latter and find it quite comical. The fact that I actually enjoyed this intro should speak volumes about the overall quality of the album.
2. The Zone Mission Part VIII
For whatever audience he thought he had at the time, J-Zone introduces himself on the first real track of the album. Jokes aside, this is a fantastic song and starts the album off perfectly. Like I said, J Zone also produces the album in its entirety, which is a strong suit of this song. The explanation of the first seven parts also got a chuckle out of me.
3. No Consequences (Feat. Huggy Bear)
If there is any way in hell you've heard of a J zone track, this is more than likely the one. It happens to be some of his only work that got any attention, which is well deserves. He's actually able to keep the concept of the song and go with it the whole way through. All laws have been set aside for one day, which leads to a song that is much more comical than one would suspect. It also looks like The Purge has some explaining to do. Can't get anything past me. Anyways, this track is full of memorable lines and has already cemented zone as a formidable rapper.
4. Ego Bashin'
Thankfully we are treated to another interlude. This one oddly creepy and not completely unlikable. But like all good skits, you'll only need to listen to this once.
5. 190 (Feat. Al-Shid)
This is an Al-Shid song and he was able to get Zone to stop by for a feature before he left the studio. The winner of this Scenario ends up being J Zone for the simple fact that this song appears on his album. That last statement is debatable though because this is one of the worse songs on the album. Everything about this song just screams mediocrity, which isn't why I'm listening to this.
6. Ms Platonic
A skit dedicated to all the nice guys in the audience, which leads nicely into the next track but doesn't do much else.
7. The Smurf Syndrome
So this song is about Zone messing around and catching blue balls, hence the name "The Smurf Syndrome". I thought it was funny and I laughed so I guess this song did its job. Even though this is Zones own personal story, this obviously has a universal appeal to it, which is always good. Its a funny and lighthearted song but its still really good.
8. Nose Job
Advice for an upcoming rapper: a good way to make your album seem long enough for a release is to just fill half of them with skits.
9. Orphan Babies (Feat. Huggy Bear)
The instrumental one this song stands above anything up to this point. Horns drive it for the most but there's enough percussion for an extremely entertaining listen. The songs lyrics tells a rather serious song but with a sardonic tone of humor. Its impressive that Zone can laugh about nearly every topic he brings up while still being able to be taken seriously. This song is so absurd and hilarious that you have no choice but to enjoy it.
10. Recess (Feat. Al-Shid)
While technically this can be classified as an interlude, Shid provides a damn good verse that should not be overlooked. Also leads into the next song nicely.
10. The First Day Of School (Feat. Al-Shid)
An obvious companion to the previous track, Al-Shid makes another appearance after his recess had been cut short to spit a few bars in the class room. Zone continues to shine on the turn tables, as the instrumentals have really picked up on the second half of the album. One of the best parts of this project is that Zones weed carriers actually have the ability to lay down some damn good verses. Don't get it twisted though, the beat on this is the main attraction.
12. Nocturnal Emission
After the last interlude I was ready to give up trying to make these parts of the review entertaining, but this was actually pretty fucking funny so I had to note it.
13. Holy Water (Feat. Huggy Bear)
On an album that mostly filled with lighthearted, funny topics, Huggy Bear took it upon him self to write a song about pretty much all organized religion. Since we've had about the same amount of success in life, I'm allowed to question Huggy Bears decisions. That's not a stab at his rapping ability, which is actually very good but lets not fool ourselves into thinking this guys living any better than us. Before I ramble on too much, just know that this song was pretty good.
14. Calamine Lotion Part 2
What? A deejay cut you say? Honestly, I can't remember an album released past the year 2000 that contained a song like this. I never loved deejay cuts but this was a pleasant surprise.
15. Extra Duck Sauce
In contrast to what was mostly an awesome album, the album ends with a track full of shout out, which I thought was kind off lame. It actually took a few listens to realize how good of an instrumental this had.
Rating: 4/5
Without discounting the rest of J-Zones discography, this is the mans finest hour and the rating doesn't really do it justice. For an EP that is flooded with interludes, a track full of shout outs, and songs that don't include our host, a four is actually incredible and as good the rating is going to get. J-Zone's instrumentals are fantastic throughout and resemble those of Prince Paul. His comical rapping proves to be just as good, as he flexes his ability to boast, flow, and tell stories. Even though Huggy Bear and Al-Shid provide surprisingly superb guest appearances, this albums finest moments are provided by our host. I'm not sure ill ever get to many more of J-Zone's albums but I recommend checking out anything he's put out. As for this album, there is no way in hell you're going to find a hard copy of this, but do what you must in order to get a copy of this off ITunes. Seriously, you buying this album could actually make a difference in this mans life.