J. Simple’s "You Welcome vol. 1"

Neworleansmusicians.net was able to get a hard copy of Johnny Simple's latest release "You Welcome vol. 1" before it hit shelves. And we're here to let you know the skinny on his latest effort. Due to editing for length, we won't be able to tell you about every track. But I trust you'll want to go find out for yourselves just what's streaming through our ears right now. The album starts off with an intro, just under two minutes, laid over Van Halen's "Right Now". This was an interesting choice, but it works and it is fitting. He moves on to track two, "Representin' the Crescent". Now for those of you who don't know, this song has already become a New Orleans underground hit. It's an anthem to New Orleans, talking about clubs that don't close, Mardi Gras, Bayou Classic, the Saints, the Hornets, Hurricane Katrina, etc. He even goes so far as to say "Johnny's an original like New Orleans Daquoris".

Moving along, we get to my personal favorite, "Behind the Music". There's a soulful sample reverbed and smooth. The song talks about how he progressed over time; "No dough, no airplay, black ballin folks in your own city… I'm used to it. Now you see, behind the music". He doesn't stick to the metronome like 3-6 Mafia. He talks to you like a story teller. But not in the ill-fated Silkk the Shocker style. This song is followed by a skit and takes us to "Blame It on the Rain".

Now this song sounds like New Orleans all over, reppin' our famous city. The accomplished producer Crack takes the mic on the 2^nd verse. The hook was compliments of Rasheed out of Atlanta. Interesting fact: Rasheed was Akon's barber back in the gap and through him, the offer surfaced to have Akon on a track for another one of J. Simple's CDs. Simple, not knowing of the successes that lied ahead for Akon, passed on the opportunity. Regret, this is Johnny Simple. Johnny Simple, this is regret. How ya doin, nice to meet ya!

After "Blame it On the Rain" comes "Defense". This work was penned in reference to people running their mouths about the artist. It was made to sound like a school band, with the cheering section saying 'defense!". A heavy tuba weighs in the back ground. New Orleans is big on marching bands and this further solidifies Simple's decent into New Orleans representation. In this track, a guest appearance is made by Rizzle from New Orleans East.

"Bottom Boys", another solid New Orleans underground hit, is scheduled to be the second single after "Representin' the Crescent". The hook sings out "City slickin' rollin' 24's". This song captures the essence of stuntin' in New Orleans. "Don't worry about the check cuz we all gon shine". Skipping through a few tracks, we find ourselves at "Step Your Game Up". This song had the stomp and clap with a synth shaker, like Clipse's "Grindin", produced by the Neptunes. Describing him self, "shorts cargo, the color is camo" made me laugh because he had just stopped by to show me his new BMW 745i and he was wearing just that! J. Dawg the Menace and DJ Precise, formally of Big Boy Productions (past works: Mystical, Partners in Crime, etc) are credited with production on this track. Cruising through, we pass "yeah Buddy", a track that was produced while hanging out in the studio with New Orleans own Gutta from Squad Up and Soulja Slim. And it takes us to the outro with a beat supplied by Impulss. One track we were lucky enough to score was a track chopped and screwed by DJ White Mike from SUC. You'll have to scour the internet for that one!

All in all, this was a great CD. I'd like to hear a few break downs though; a spot where they remix the whole song in what's called 'the bridge' and then take us back to the song. I can say this though. It's nice when I hear an album that doesn't use conventional track styles and is clearly from the South. Another thing I'd like to see in the future is J. Simple on a track that is not clearly a rap staple. I want to see him push the envelope with producers. Typically, you find artists doing that more for street mix tapes, and it's been rumored that one is in the works for Simple. Thanks to Jus-Five Productions for getting us an advanced copy. Fans can check out iTunes and CD Baby for theirs. So, until next time, 'thanks for coming out, good night, and God bless'!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~LINKS LINKS LINKS LINKS LINKS LINKS LINKS~ ~ ~ ~ ~

www.johnnysimple.com

J.Simple: http://www.myspace.com/johnnysimple

Jus-Five: http://www.myspace.com/jus5productions

DJ 5 Grand: http://www.myspace.com/jusfive

Rizzle: http://www.myspace.com/hottrizzle

Lyric: http://www.myspace.com/jasonlyric504

Impulss: http://www.myspace.com/impulss

BUY THE CD NOW!!! http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59922556&blogID=416584711