October 15, 2016

Jeru The Damaja "Wrath Of The Math" (CMJ, 12/96)


"Mr. Ignorance, the same one immortalized on "You Can't Stop The Prophet" from Jeru The Damaja's debut album, is in the crosshairs once again on Wrath Of The Math. On this sequel to The Sun Rises In The East, Jeru is packing even more lethal levels of confidence and venom than he did the first time around, and the songs on this awesome sophomore release reflect that in one sonic firestorm after another. Wrath sounds like a heap of twisted, rusty metal, bearing sharp, pointed lyrical edges as well as weighty, yet crafty, beats (courtesy of DJ Premier)." Check "Ya Playin' Yaself," cont'd...


"Jeru battles the current bland state of hip-hop, as he expertly addresses its lack of individuality and creativity ("Whatever") and, especially on "One Day," gets so brutally honest that certain record label moguls are rumored to be angered and insulted. To Jeru's credit, it's always been his candid, heavy-enunciated rhyme style that has attracted listeners. His audacity on the mic isn't just loaded with cheap shots and false accusations: as you'll hear on the "The Frustrated N!gga," "Tha Bullshit" and "Not The Average," Jeru simply chooses to call it as he sees it." - CMJ, December 1996.