Jurassic 5 Album: “Power in Numbers [Edited]”

Two years after their critically acclaimed full-length debut, Quality Control, Jurassic 5 is back with their sophomore LP, Power In Numbers. While they have retained their old school style, Jurassic 5 has definitely evolved between their two releases. On PIN they have embraced a slightly more pop sound that will allow a wider number of fans to make the transition from MTV's pop-rap to J5's underground style. However, they are still far from sounding anything like Jay-Z or Nelly.

Structurally, PIN is very similar to their debut album: they both start with a spoken word track and end with a clever instrumental piece by DJs Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist. Power In Number's equivalents are unfortunately inferior to the DJs' previous effort. The closer, "Acetate Prophets," features Nu-Mark's creative beats and samples and Cut Chemist's amazing turntable skills, but it lacks the character of it's Quality Control equivalent, "Swing Set."

However, this does not mean the entire CD is inferior to their first LP. As soon as the second track "Freedom" hits with its simple jazzy guitar and drum loops and flowing lyrics, you'll understand why J5 was on top of many editor's top 10 lists in the year 2000. Jurassic 5 shines in its relatively simple approach to hip-hop. Instead of overwhelming the listener with studio effects, blasting dance beats or electronic noise, J5's DJs use creative instrumental samples that allow emcees Chali 2NA, Marc 7, Zaakir and Akil to flow melodiously over the beat. In fact, J5 is one of the few hip-hop groups that are vocally aware. Throughout the disc all four emcees are in tune with the instrumentals, which is not only a testament to the group's vocal skill, but the DJ's excellent choice of beats and samples.

The other two tracks that retain their old school sound are the first two singles "What's Golden" and "If You Only New." Not only are the two tracks musically amazing, but lyrically they offer a positive message that is usually atypical of hip-hop. The latter track says it the best: "We're real people/Homies just like you...We try and give you something that you ain't use to/Soul music, something we can all relate to." Jurassic 5 is all about having fun and listening to great music; something that most rappers have forgotten in recent years.

Those expecting only J5's old school style will be surprised by the number of experimental tracks on this PIN. The track "Hey" features an almost trip-hop beat with ambient effects that exposes a side of J5 that has never been seen before. While it is nothing like their previous tracks, the sung vocals and few effects make this song surprisingly enjoyable. One shocker on the album is "Thin Line" featuring Nelly Furtado. While I'm no fan of Nelly Furtado or her vocal style, I must admit that this track works almost flawlessly. This is a perfect example of how Jurassic 5 can penetrate the mass market without sacrificing their own style.

The only negative part of this album is the track "One of Them." It is uncharacteristically vulgar. While it condemns all the materially driven pop rappers out there, it goes about it in all the wrong ways.

While some will condemn Jurassic 5 for their slight foray into pop music, no one can deny that they once again produced a classic hip-hop album. Besides, if it means that more people will be picking up J5's new LP instead of a Nelly or P. Diddy album then perhaps the hip-hop world can change for the better. If you are into underground hip-hop then you probably picked this album up on release day with the limited DVD, but those who like any kind of rap or hip-hop but haven't checked out J5 need to grab Power In Numbers. If you don't like hip-hop, J5 may change your mind; their debut introduced me to the amazing world of underground hip-hop. Even skaters (a predominately punk driven group) were enamored with Quality Control. While Power In Numbers does not surpass its predecessor, it is still another great album by one of hip-hop's most up-and-coming artists.

Being a champion of pure, old school hip-hop in today's rap scene is incredibly daunting. J5 pulls it off better than anyone else. Still managing to break new ground while reminding us all of how hip-hop used to make us feel, this CD is an exposition of incredible beats, outstanding, intelligent rhymes and an atmosphere that will put a smile on anyone's face. Don't pass it up.

When it comes to hip-hop, J5 knows it best. With their sophmore effort/masterpiece "Power in Numbers", Soup, Chali, Nu-Mark, Akil, Cut-Chemist, and Marc 7 are comin at you harder and with a more matture feel than from what you heard on "Quality Control". The samples are catchier, the beats are thumping, but above all, the lyrics are smoother. "Freedom" and "If You Only Knew" have a oppression-defeated/political-lyrical feel, while "Break" and "A Day at the Races" come at you with incredibley uplifting beats and catchy tounge twisting raps. I know hip hop well, and I would consider this one of the best albums in hip hop thus far. If you loved Quality Control you will ADORE this album. I've had it for almost two years now; ain't sick of one track. You will not regret this album. Take my word for it. You will love it. I can only imagine what J5 will come up with next.

-Randa

Jurassic 5 comes through with yet another album with quality, control and experience. The lyrics have the same positive J5 content but much improved from Jurassic 5 EP release. The beats are more chill and sometimes with a hint of jazz which is more or less the usual J5 style. But if you've liked any of their previous releases you will like this album. The bonus DVD is also a great bonus to the CD. The DVD shows a little bit of each member's life in L.A definitely worth checkin out. Also check out Scratch the movie for a short look at J5 and a little expansion of your knowledge of hip hop.-Peace

In my opinion, the world of hip-hop has been pretty stagnant lately. Enter "Jurassic 5". It is so refreshing to hear someone rap over good grooves and funky beats, and not try to be hard and gangta all the time. I know "J5" keep getting referred to as "old school", but it really does have that vibe, while still coming off as fresh. "What's Golden" is definitely the big song here, but the whole album has that same feel. It's very cool. A couple of these guys have such a great delivery. If you're someone who always enjoyed groups like "Arrested Development", "De La Soul", or "Digable Planets", check out "Power in Numbers".