Producer J Wells has been active in hip-hop since he was 16, starting with his own group, Rocswell. Since then, he’s had success with working with some of the West Coast’s most illustrious MC’s, including Snoop Doggy Dogg and Kurupt, and was inducted into the legendary collective known as the Likwit Crew. His productions have even popped up in commercials, The Sopranos, and various EA Sports video games. Due to his collaborations with some of the West Coast’s finest, he has a wide network to toil with on his second album, Digital Master Vol 2.1, which features Snoop Doggy Dogg, Estelle, Kurupt, Da Brat, WC, Roscoe, J-Ro from Tha Alkaholiks, Rah Digga and Mack 10.
The album kicks off with “So Many Faces,” which is eerily reminiscent of the Scarface classic, “F*ck Faces,” from the beat to the subject matter. Fans of the Scarface original should check the re-tooling of the classic track. It doesn’t entirely do the original justice, but it’s a worthy effort. “We Don’t Give a F*ck” features a fired-up WC, fresh off his slept-on-but-props-worthy LP, Guilty by Affiliation. J Wells tones it down nicely on “You Don’t Love Me” with Estelle and Styliztik Jones. Styliztik is nice, but this is clearly Estelle’s song. Between this and “American Boy”, the rapper/singer collaboration is evidently right up her alley.
The rest of Digital Master Vol 2.1 is rather lackluster. “All My Bitches” with Snoop Doggy Dogg and Katt Williams had potential, as Snoop rides the production so well, but it only reaches mediocrity. Snoop rapping about his pimping lifestyle is a beaten horse that most could do without revisiting. “Already Famous” had a high bar set with Kurupt and Da Brat collaborating, but it too failed to reach its mark. Kurupt’s verse was a big disappointment and the beat lacked any spirit, even with its Southern approach. “Ticket” by Doll Phace is an early candidate for the “Worst Song of 2009.” Why? Because it’s a song about getting a ticket while on the way to see your man…while trying to be serious. It’s hilarious how serious it tries to be. There were more serious songs on Incredibad.
When you’re a producer putting out an album with your name on it, the beats have to stand out the most, which J Wells succeeded with on “We Don’t Give a F*ck” and “Brand New.” The knock would be that most of the beats on DM 2.1 are reminiscent of other producers’ styles, rather than J’s own. “Already Famous” sounds like a Three 6 Mafia beat, “We Don’t Give a F*ck” is Dr. Dre-esque, and “Brand New” can remind listeners of Just Blaze’s “U Don’t Know.” A producer has to create his identity on a solo project; but after this, we’re still left wondering who J Wells is. Most people can identify a Kanye West, DJ Premier, or Dr. Dre beat just by hearing it and recognizing their styles. J Wells doesn’t have that yet, and should develop one before his next solo album
The highs on this album aren’t that high, and the lows are catastrophic. J Wells is still very young and has access to a lot of talent. In 2009, he is working with a ton of well-known artists on their respective albums, so clearly he has something that they want. But if this album is any indication, he’s better off studying up on the craft a little more and improving at all cost.
60/100
Standout Tracks:
You Don’t Love Me
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We Don’t Give a Fuck
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So Many Faces
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
couldn’t agree more with this… Although a 60 seems fairly harsh, I feel it’s heavily justified.
3-4 good/aite songs
the rest was ass
The three tracks aren’t impressively unique. Lacks good transitions. Needs a little more creative for me. He’s definitely worth listening to though if he had some decent lyrics over his beats. The hooks really need the most attention. Maybe he’s just showing that he can produce any style, which is a major strength in the industry. He’ll probably be around a for a little while.
Snoop Dogg hasn’t been known as “Snoop Doggy Dogg” since like what 96?
Force of habit. I still say Candlestick Park cuz it’s natural to me. Good to see you’ve got something relevant to the article to say though. Thanks.