We Plug to You... J.Nolan - Loose Files (The Mixtape)

Hello GOOD people, hope we all had a memorable weekend? Mine was filled with mixed emotions (from the football especially) but what better time to seek comfort from good music than the present right? Let me not bore you with my "tales by the moonlight"... Now unto our feature presentation...

Jamar Nolan is an upcoming Hip-Hop artist from New Haven, Connecticut, but currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia who goes by the stage name - J. Nolan. Although he'd be categorized as a "new comer", J.Nolan sounds and feels like he is certainly not new to the game. The first time I heard J. Nolan was almost reminiscent of the first time I had heard Nas and the more I listen to the Atlanta-based emcee, the more he reminds me of a young Talib with the continuous delivery of intelligent subject matter and a cool swag that keeps it interesting and never boring (think Lupe Fiasco). Comparing him to all this Hip-Hop minds might seem quite premature and almost like I'm hallucinating a bit but trust me, the kid is legit but enough from me, let J.Nolan tell it...

"I got into Hip-Hop music at a very young age. My introduction to it was through my parents watching MTV in the early 90s and I remember seeing Wreckx n Effect’s “Rumpshaker” video, Kriss Kross, and MC Hammer. Rapping-wise, my older brother got me to write my first rhyme when I was about 8 years old" - J.Nolan

The 'Loose Files' is J.Nolan's latest project featuring 14 original songs for your listening pleasure and the mixtape serves as a warm up to his highly anticipated album titled 'Chaos Theory' which we will be on the look out for certainly.

At this juncture, I'm tempted to insert a health warning that reads: WARNING - health hazard, material contains explosive Hip-Hop... Light minds please keep off. I shall slow my roll with the writing and allow J.Nolan introduce himself via the first track on his mixtape titled "Reintroduction" as produced by oriJanus. The clear head bopping beat laced with bold drum patterns reminds us of why 90's Hip-Hop music is so missed these days and sees J.Nolan spit that conscious rap focusing on a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from his biography, family, music, record labels, friends, fans, and life... all in less than four minutes. I should really have used this song as this feature's first paragraph, this song describes his kind of music with a single line, catch it if you can ("we use the convo to remove the blind folds cleaning up a cloudy soul"). He starts the song on a very sober note straight from the heart with the following monologue: "... I have done a lot of music over the years and i'm only 22yrs and I done put out 100 of songs, for what? a couple of pats on the back..." Please listen to the full joint below.

  

"thanks for the introduction/is an induction of influx/ big bucks commits the corruption/and the youth live and stuck with only injustice/as i drew a picture perfect my pen is entrusted/i'm giving them substance that they request/my quest is on a mission for success/nothing less."

The second track I decided to share from this mixtape is right after "Reintroduction" on the mixtape and I love the way  J.Nolan switches from the sober state of mind on the preceding song to bursting into a venomous rapper spitting fire on this track titled "Excellent" which is also produced by oriJanus and clearly reflects Nolan's state of mind on this joint as mirrored on the hook which says, "I'm excellent... I feel excellent" and once again he starts the track with some catchy witty word play like, "back in the flesh like the flesh on your back". He goes further on in the song to describe himself as a "gentle man speaking genuine facts with eloquence" and I wish I could find a '"like" or "cosign" button  right now for this song. This is that much needed feel good and motivational song that I want to relate to. Life is bound to throw challenges at us and granted, only the strong survives but this here song gets you in that "winning" mode to face those challenges... Click play and feel "excellent". 

  

"Even when I lose, I'm still ahead of my contenders / January to December / I'm relishing my splendor / Making the fans stand up like the hair(heir) of a throne"

So what song from the 'Loose Files' mixtape (book of knowledge) should be my final selection to PLUG to you? *thinking* Oh yes! The track "How It Feels" might just let you know how I really feel right now... I had to take a long pause before writing this because this song evokes so much emotion and puts you in a reflective mood. The very soulful keyboard-driven production is courtesty of Tuelv and what an excellent musical backdrop it is. This song gives me that weird nostalgic feeling mixed with a feeling of 'dejavu' almost like I know and feel what his next line will be - the song screams believe. J.Nolan kick starts the track with his characteristic intelligent wordplay which has become quite the trademark - "focus your ears and your eyes to the lyrics." - I obeyed immediately and listened, please do so as well below.

  

"Why are you on twitter talking about who got the fresher phone? Better refresh your dome, this is a war zone. Firefox learn to explore, then they resort to chrome..."

The 'Loose Files' features J.Nolan at the top of his game with intelligent word play, witty lines, metaphors, level-headed social commentary, food for thought, stylistic and thematic consistency, and fantastic production. I particularly like the fact that he had twelve producers on this mixtape as he has clearly proved he can kick knowldege on the mic, stay versatile by working with a wide variety of producers and still remain relevant and make relevant music. If you are a fan of Hip-Hop then you will like this project. In his own words below...

"I think the current state of Hip-Hop is in a strange place. It’s a lot of people rapping, but not enough making actual music, in my opinion. And I feel as though a lot of people are ignoring the reality of what’s going on in ‘the streets’ and focusing on their image more than ever. I just want to make some dope music for the people and give them some messages they can hold onto". – J. Nolan

What more can I say? This is rated GOODD music, five mics plus two loud speakers... I leave you with one word - DOWNLOAD (below).

Download : J.Nolan - Loose Files (Mixtape)

Keep tabs on J.Nolan: Twitter // Facebook //  Myspace

This is the part in the movie where the credits start rolling... G.O.O.D bye and be G.O.O.D
  

KingKC*