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 Stereo: The Evolution of Hip, Rock, Soul 4th Avenue Jones provides a sound stew —hip hop, R&B, and rock, properly termed 'hiprocksoul'. The crew has generated a great deal of notoriety and success with their extensive touring and their underground releases. Now, Ahmad, Tena and the crew drop Stereo: The Evolution of Hip, Rock, Soul, a Gotee Records debut with a nice mix of songs about life, relationships, dope music and of course God.  "Stereo" is Ahmad's homage to music and his love for it. He sings the verses in a soft tone, with Timmy Shakes providing just enough guitar to give this one a rock/alternative feel. Things pick up in the chorus."Overloaded" is a song to God about needing His help in this life, in situations which can be overwhelming. The lyrical structure of the song is reminiscent of those popular pop rock songs of the 80s, but the beat and Shakes’ rhythm guitar and that 4th Ave feel ensure that there is no cheesiness. It's simply a unique jam. It would not be vintage 4th Avenue Jones if Ahmad and Tena didn’t trade flows, and "Take Me Away" is definitely all of that. The two rap over a percolating beat with some atmospheric piano samples and guitar. While the verses are more for the heads, the chorus has a more edgy rock vibe to it with Timmy’s electric guitar, Ahmad’s passionate cry to God, and Tena’s pulsating vocals. Labelmates GRITS guest on the bumping "Monumental Continental". To have these four emcees spit rhymes on the same track is like having a big glass of water on a hot summer day. AHHH....refreshing!! They are all spitting about doing big things, but stay humble in the mix of it all. Tena Jones displays her impressive pipes on "Who’s Watching Me?" On this cut, Tena takes on the persona of one who is stressed and needs God’s help as they face issues that are hard to deal with. The band provides laid-back music to compliment Tena’s vocals. Ahmad adds a flow to paint a vivid picture of a distressed child watching his parents fight and argue. "Unhappy Birthday" is a candid song about an argument between Ahmad and Tena that results in Tena leaving the house, thus causing Ahmad to have a sad birthday. Although the subject matter of this song is serious, the music is so funky and intoxicating that you get the urge to dance. Ahmad again sings this one while he and Tena rap midway through the song. "Caesar" shows the skill and the importance of the band. Every instrument brings a different and unique feel to it. Ahmad lays dope rhyme that demonstrates why he is a much-respected emcee, with recognition extending to the secular arena. He talks about how he sees the world today, and God is going to judge what he (Ahmad) deems the modern day Caesar. The impressive thing about 4th Avenue Jones is the way that they can have contrasting verses and choruses. "Rush" a perfect example, as Ahmad raps over a smooth beat, and then Tena sings in an Alanis Moorisette-like voice. Things change as they revert to rap core in the second part of the chorus. Other songs to check out are the Bobby Ross Avila and Iz Avila produced, "It’s Over Now" and "Why". Stereo: The Evolution of Hip Rock Soul is a solid offering by 4th Avenue Jones. The blend of several genres of music is so natural to this group that you know that they are not doing this simply to win over more fans. No, they're doing this because it's the music that they love. Along the way, they dealing with real life issues, seeking God’s help through it all. Definitely an album for the masses.
Email This To A Friend Gotee Records — reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —
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