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Final verdict: 9/10 ★★★★⋆˙⟡
You know, I’m not exactly a “hip-hop fan,” but I can always appreciate a well-cooked slice of the genre in question. Case in point; Jah-Femi’s Alternative Hip-Hop’s newly-released debut LP, “Of Hip-Hop Alternative, the First Chronicle: Thus It Began.” Unstoppable creative Jah-Femi Telewa is no newbie to the general art scene; the poet, author, songwriter, rapper, the list goes on… he might as well be Barbie with how many occupations he has up his sleeve, and he’s been around for years by now. But with his first album under the Jah-Femi’s Alternative Hip-Hop moniker, I fear he might’ve outdone himself; yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is, indeed, an alternative hip-hop record well done, drawing inspiration from all sorts of genres; baroque, jazz, soul – you name it, he’s incorporated it into this nifty little album. It sort of reminds me of the widely-loved Tyler, the Creator at points, but also not exactly. Strange and conflicting sentiments, the ones I’m feeling right now.
Regardless; “Of Hip-Hop Alternative, the First Chronicle” is a bonkers album to plop onto the scene with. As I mentioned earlier, it is slathered in all sorts of influences, yet their incorporation into the main meat of the record is seamless and tasteful – which is a notable feat to achieve. I am particularly fond of the orchestral touches adorning this LP in its entirety – just listen to those string arrangements, boy oh boy. And when the guy proclaims himself a poet, you best believe it – the lyrics here are well written and concise without sacrificing flowery prose.
“Quantitative Lingo” is far and away my favorite track on here; those 8-bit synths are simply delightful, and the piano on the latter half of the song made me feel all sorts of unprecedented things. Cue Google search; “How do I get married to a song?” I also quite enjoy the moodiness of “Shining Stars” and the aural heaven of “Pleasantries.” Big deal, I’m tellin’ ye.
As a closing note, I’d like to mention Mr. Jah-Femi has a really nice, husky voice, and his choice of female vocalists is just as good. Can’t go wrong in such a predicament.
I hereby recommend this record to all hip-hop enthusiasts out there, and especially those who like a little orchestral class in their listening queue. 9/10.
MORE ON JAH-FEMI TELEWA:
https://jahfemitelewa.com
Silia 
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