Shreveport based Christian rapper J.Kells returns to the scene with his latest EP, Weight. The Hip Hopper opens up his latest project with "Stop the Killing" (feat. Saelah, G' Lo & Joshua Mac). The production of the song is similar to what you may hear from an MC in secular music. However, J.Kells keeps it festive with a message about coming together. Up next is "Work," which will remind listeners of the snap phase that was all the rage in the mid-2000s. "Work" is a great song, and I could easily see J.Kells push this as a single with a Tik Tok challenge to go along with it.
The autobiographical "Weight" is another gem. This track reminded me of Nas's song "Fried Chicken" from his 2008 Untitled album. J.Kells is a plus-sized rapper and opens the song with some facts about his home state. From there, he transitions into a passionate spoken word vibe. One of my favorite bars is "I may be a little big," but my God is bigger." In hindsight, J.Kells takes us on his own self-acceptance journey and ties it into a message about his faith.
"Love" is the album's fourth track where J.Kells pays homage to his wife. Over a smooth production, J.Kells is in a positive headspace, and this is one of my favorites from the EP. J.Kells closes out the project with "Thank You," which features Young Switch & MQ. The closing song pays homage to GOD and avoids becoming over preachy with its message.
Throughout the five-song EP that clocks in at under twenty minutes, J.Kells displays not only a commendable love of GOD but a classy southern flow. I look forward to following this brother's career.
Final Grade: B
Top Tracks: "Weight," "Love," and "Work"
Weight is available on all streaming platforms.