This is the 3rd EP from Compton, California emcee, songwriter & producer Jason Martin. Originally known as Problem, he would go on to release over a dozen mixtapes as well as 4 full-length studio albums & a couple EPs. I can’t forget to mention both collaborative efforts DJ Quik, the first being Rosecrans back in 2017 & the follow-up Chupacabra days before Kendrick Lamar’s now historic 1-off Pop Out concert at the Kia Forum. earlier this summer. However, he’s warming everyone up for the next era by dropping off a Repack.
“Problem” featuring Laila! is a soulful, self-produced Mobb opener referencing the moniker that made a name for Jason whereas “Kill Switch”featuring Daz Dillinger further pulls inspiration from the Bay thanks to Fredwreck talking about their gang ties. “Live It Up” featuring Lil Vada & Sada Baby on the remix maintains a Mobb vibe instrumentally detailing the gangsta lifestyle once more leading into “You Know What It Is” going for a traditional west coast flare to talk about everyone knowing the deal courtesy of Mike & Keys.
As for My Boy”, we have Jason & Glasses Malone coming together to drop braggadocio just before “Poridge” featuring Jay Worthy & Mitchy Slick shows off the rare aura of all 3 of them. “5 Pack” blends g-funk & hyphy talking about being artists being indicted for what they say in their music which I think is wrong, but then “Cookie” turns the bass up refusing to go back-&-forth over a topic of discussion he doesn’t care enough for.
“Come & Shine with Me” featuring RJmrLA playfully encourages everyone to shine with them leading into “Hold Up” featuring LaToiya Williams balancing g-funk & trap to talk about y’all having no more chances. “Actin’ Tuff” featuring Dreebo goes drumless breaking down specific type of bitches & after the “God Knows Best” skit, “Goin’” featuring Lil Neph soulfully finishes by talking about keeping it moving the money flowin’.
Restoring a feeling that’s been missing from California music as a whole 5 months ago, the Repack is completely different since Mike & Keys take the opportunity to help Jason bring together a myriad of west coast sounds old & new with the beats with the guests that join him being a dope mix of mainly west coast veterans and of course a few up-&-comers sprinkled into the equation.
Score: 3.5/5
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