Jester Jacobs - 'Chicken Souped Up' LP - OneLion Sound Review

London based Jester Jacobs has been quietly recognised as a highly skilled lyricist since 2008 with the release of his first solo album ‘Mental Disorder’. He followed up with the 2010 ‘More Of The Sane’ E.P and more recently has become one 7th of the elusive Moose Funk Squad as well as jumping on a slew of huge features with the likes of Granville Sessions & B.O.M.B.

Our man Jester is also known for a few other, rather unexpected, things. As is often the case with Mr Jacobs, expect the unexpected. The track ‘Knuckle Down’ lifted from his 2010 E.P  achieved rotation on BBC Radio 6 music and presenter Tom Robinson’s gushing endorsement of Jacobs bizarrely resulted in drawing comparisons to Tupac (Fo Real!).

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Last year he released a song titled ‘I’m Dog’. This is a record about being a dog and the accompanying music video, all filmed by dogs, went viral with sentiments from huge celebrities before it was aired on national telly.

In between performing stand up comedy from L.A to Chigaco and back to London, Jester has found the time to record his latest release and true sequel to his debut. Titled ‘Chicken Souped Up’, this is something fans of true vernacular skill will appreciate.

This album ranges greatly and definitely couldn't be put in any kind of box (of course, if you buy one of the hugely limited run of CD’s then you will be able to physically put your copy in a box, but it won't mean anything). The big spread of varying instrumentals and subject matter that make it up seem to cater for a lot of tastes whilst staying fairly true to the boombap sound we long for.

Rammed with a healthy dose of comedy, you will find yourself laughing at daytime TV references whilst drawing comparisons to your own existence all at the same time. There is a thick layer of honesty on top of it all that commands respect but at the same time allows everyone to find something to relate to in each verse despite the abstract nature of some of the subject matter.

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Standout tracks for me from this one started right with the intro ‘Cilla’ in which Jester sets the bar of what’s to come as he propels his brand of rapid fire lyrical genius over a  fairly simple kick beat. Right from the get go you will be able to appreciate the man’s talent and the following slew of tracks serve as a platform for him to get some things of his chest, make some people smile and generally murder each beat with his multi syllable, not giving a fuck kind of rhyme style.

There are a few collaborations on here to listen for from fellow Meese and Granville delegates, In particular I liked the track ‘Thirst’ on which everyone speaks openly about the journey they travelled to get to where they are musically as well as how each of their outlooks have altered along the way over an entrancing instrumental that I can’t get enough of.

On the whole, Jester Jacobs has managed to craft a truly original record and not one to be overlooked by anyone who is a fan of true lyricism and I would recommend this project to just about everyone I know, regardless of their musical inclinations.

ALBUM EMBEDDED BELOW FOR YOUR LISTENING & PURCHASING PLEASURE.
KEEP UP WITH JESTER JACOBS HERE!
OUT DECEMBER 19TH 2014