March 14, 2020

Jay Electronica "A Written Testimony" (Album Stream)


A Written Testimony is the long-awaited debut studio album from Jay Electronica. It was recorded over 40 days and 40 nights, starting December 26th, 2019. It includes appearances from Jay-Z, Travis Scott, James Blake and The-Dream, as well as production from NO I.D, Swizz Beatz, Hit-Boy, The Alchemist and Khruangbin. That's the official breakdown, but when you listen, you will have to decide for yourself, is this really the official debut studio album from Jay Electronica? Is it featuring Jay-Z or is this a collaborative album a la Watch The Throne? And why is Jay-Z the first voice you hear on the project. One thing is clear, Jay Electronica is a true MC! He and Hov brought something great out of each on the album. It's full of lines that will force listeners to pause, Google and reflect, which brings light to his faith and spreads a good message overall. I don't necessarily agree with everything he says, nor is he my favorite artist, but I do hope that the weight of a release has been lifted and he'll get right back in the studio. Preferably with Just Blaze on the production, because however intentional it might've been, the production is kinda frail on this LP.