Forget America; only in hip hop can a glorified hypeman leapfrog to headliner in a few short years. Such is the case for Jim Jones. Since the Dipset Capo started dropping solo albums with certified hits—most notably “We Fly High” from 2006’s Hustler’s P.O.M.E. (Koch)—the Harlemite’s become, if not a household name, certainly a brand unto himself. Now, with his fourth solo album, Pray IV Reign, Jim Jones stands on the brink, poised to either step fully into the role of the superstar or further cement his reliable role player status. In the end, Jones playsthe latter, relying on swag over substance. He’s improved, but not yet the main attraction.
The album’s intro illustrates Jones’ strategy: Lock into a resounding groove engaging enough to make up for any rhyme hiccups and ride out. In this instance, No ID provides the bluesy harmonica wails, and Jones provides the signature flow—imagine a congested OG street cat slyly pulling a youngblood’s coat. But while the formula works and Jones’ wordplay is improved (“The aesthetics of being a Black man, you was either athletic or selling the crack grams,” he raps), there isn’t anything here you haven’t heard done better before. Jones is no lyrical king, but that doesn’t stop him from slinging shots at thrones, whether old rivals (Jay-Z) or former friends (Cam’Ron). Cam in particular catches Jim’s wrath—as well as one-time Diplomat Max B—on the guitar driven “Frenemies,” which namelessly but obviously excoriates those former allies.
When in his lane—essentially, ballin’—Jones’ ability to craft a catchy tune is undeniable. He has a knack for attaching himself to can’t-miss beats, as on 2008’s “Pop Champagne,” featuring Ron Browz & Juelz Santana, included here, or the sultry smooth “Precious,” which owes as much to Ryan Leslie’s crooning and instrumentation as anything Jim brings. And an equal talent for crafting an easily remembered hook—see the Illfonics-laced “Na Na Nana Na Na.” But no amount of smoke and mirrors can save “How To Be a Boss.” Not only does Ludacris blow everyone out the water, even Jones’ own prodigy NOE—who sounds an awful lot like Jay-Z—upstages his mentor over Ron Browz’s synth-laden track. He redeems himself on “My My My”—a dedication to his late friend Stack Bundles—where he drops some nihilistically thoughtful bars: “I live the life that’s filled with jealousy, we doomed from the start, it’s like we born with a felony.”
Those looking for timeless music on Pray IV Reign may find their prayers unanswered. But if you’re one of Jones’ longtime disciples, Capo’s got you covered. — Alvin Blanco
"Pray IV Reign" is in stores 3/24/09
Track listing
1. “Album Intro” featuring Starr
2. “Pulling Me Back” featuring Chink Santana
3. “Let It Out”
4. “How To Be A Boss” featuring NOE, Ludacris, and Busta Rhymes
5. “Medicine” featuring Chink Santana and NOE
6. “Frenemies”
7. “Precious” featuring Ryan Leslie
8. “Blow The Bank” featuring Oshy
9. “This Is For My Bitches” featuring Oshy
10. “Girlfriend” featuring Oshy and Juelz Santana
11. “This Is The Life” featuring Starr
12. “My My My” featuring Rawanna
13. “Pop Off” featuring Mel Matrix and NOE
14. “Pop Champagne” featuring Ron Browz and Juelz Santana
15. “Rain” featuring NOE, Starr, Rell, and Starr
16. “Na Na Nana Na Na” featuring NOE and Brittney Taylor
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