IJALE
I know there’re a million new releases dropping today but if you don’t mind I’d like to point you back to last Friday when IJALE dropped his newest project called OTTN (On To The Next). Increasingly I’m finding I don’t like to write about anything until I’ve had more time to digest it whereas young Tommy wanted to bang that shit out pronto because he was an urgent idiot. This my cut of choice from the new Jerry’s new record an album that you need to immerse yourself in for the lyricism, the production (much of which is the product of IJALE’s own hands) and the unexpected hooks. It’s called JUJU and obviously I love it for the afro-swing riddims and the warmth of his vocal but 
the word play and confidence of the lyricism is a sight to behold, or a sound to be…hear. I guess. Anyway, it’s really bloody good.
When the chorus rings out “I ain’t worried about no championship ring, this ain’t bout the competition I’m just doing my thing” I believe it. Not because he puts it down with conviction but his career is testament to that. We’ve watched as he’s leant on his songwriting and production instead of momentary fluctuations in taste and flavour. He’s not the dude who jumps on the next trend to right some streaming numbers.
The only visible about face I’ve seen from IJALE over the years was the name change to IJALE. Working previously under the name Crooked Letter he released some of the early tracks you’ll now see under the IJALE mantle as well as a spattering of remixes and production credits. Don’t misunderstand though, I’m not implying he hasn’t developed his craft because the growth is supremely evident, but the trajectory has remained focused. Don’t let it seem like he’s all colour and flavour with no nutrition though because Jerry’s capacity to speak with nuance and lived experience on issues of race and politics is second to very few others on a local level. Meantime though, just appreciation the juju.
I might just put one more here for your ears, something on a real Jack Harlow type beat built around a twisted recorder sample and thick with bounce. But truly, go listen to the whole body of work, it’s worth it.
Artists you need to know rn
| 1. 1300 |  |
316 |
| 2. Voidhood | |
259 | 3. jamesjamesjames | |
186 | 4. Zan | |
174 |
| 5. Sesame Girl | |
147 |
