Jean Grae Albums (3)
'The Orchestral Files'
Release Date 11/20/2007
Tracks 11
Label Traffic Ent.
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This Roots associate's second album, following 2003's The Bootleg of the Bootleg EP, is a loose concept record about a week in her life. The ups, the downs, the come-ons, the threats, the observations, the actions -- it's all in there, it all fits together, and it all transpires without the MC having to cram an inhuman amount syllables into one breath (as she has before). Jean Grae continues to improve in every respect, but the negative aspect is that too many of the beats bleed into one another. None are certifiably lifeless. But, when strung together, they add up to an album that numbs the mind around the second half. In one respect, it's a blessing in disguise -- you often have to recall the words, not the sounds that support them, in order to distinguish one track from another. Given the range of emotions and subjects Grae covers so well, that's not so hard to do, and in turn that shortcoming makes you appreciate her all the more. Lyrically, she isn't quite as ill-tempered as she has been in the past, though her takedowns -- when they do come -- are more vicious than ever. Try "Whatever"'s "Verbally hang thee with these third-degree burns/Upon your fannies/And your balls ripped off/Course it's all talk/I'll lick off the potshots and cut your d*ck off/And sell it like it's porn to the pawn shop/I try to stop the bad things but they stay on top." A promising thing is that Jeanius -- an excellent album written and recorded in five days, manned entirely by 9th Wonder (producer of Murs' Murs 3:16, Jay-Z's "Threat," and one of This Week's highlights) -- sidesteps the issue at play on this album and is promised to be released soon. Leaked well before This Week saw the light of day and already catching attention, it stands a chance of gaining the MC the level of respect she deserves. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
'Attack of the Attacking Things'
Release Date 7/23/2002
Tracks 12
Label Third Earth
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
On her incredible debut, the artist formerly known as What What finally gets her own set after appearing on records by the Herbaliser, the High & Mighty, and Masta Ace. With production from Mr. Len, da Beatminerz, and Evil Dee, Grae and her label Third Earth leave nothing to chance in widely exposing what may be the most innovative female voice in hip-hop since Missy Elliott or Mary J. Blige. Over soul-heavy samples and a diverse helping of beats, Jean Grae's lyrics are strong with empowerment, confidence, and even irony in pointing out her obviously overlooked career thus far -- blasting record companies, oozing creativity and lyrical sophistication, and exposing a feminist cunning and graceful New York swagger that's both hard hip-hop and funky R&B. As a woman still in her twenties with this level of lyrical gift and vocal depth, Attack of the Attacking Things should be the first of many breakthrough records in her career. ~ Nic Kincaid, All Music Guide
