Shawn Jackson: Brand New Old Me

“I know you feeling that shit / not the weed, you feeling Jack’s shit!” Shawn Jackson hit the scene two years with this proclamation in his single “Feelin’ Jack” and it couldn’t be truer.  The Los Angeles emcee caught many listeners’ attention with his debut First Of All but that wouldn’t be the last they heard of him in 2008.  Just a few months later, he teamed with Giant Panda producer Newman for Soundcheck.  Each album showcased Jackson’s versatility as they had their own unique sound.  Now in 2010, Shawn Jackson is back with a reintroduction of sorts.  Brand New Old Me bridges the style and sound he was known for with his direction in a changing music industry.

Jackson’s quick wit and humor is one of his strengths. It’s evident when he delivers lines like “I’ll eat an emcee and shit out a 12 inch / I ain’t constipated so I squat and spray em” on the intro, “Good Writtens.” Jackson and guest Fly C bring a triumphant vibe to one of the album’s highlights, the piano driven “Starget Practice.” Shawn just seems at home on a traditional boom bap sound of songs like “Good Riddance” and “Make It Reign.” The electro infused production is a mixed bag.  The Cloud produced “Lah City” works as Jackson, along with Co$$ and Young De, turn it into a good L.A. anthem.  “Pocketful” produced by Mr. Brady misses the mark as it becomes annoying quickly and Jackson seems out of place on the beat.

While a majority of the album presents a very high energy level, the more subdued tracks work too. “Fruit Salad” sees Jackson displaying his lyrical prowess as he uses a variety of fruits in his rhymes to transform this into a ballad.  The title track “Brand New Old Me” is Shawn at his most vulnerable and displays his growth as an artist. The JimiJames hook adds an extra element to the song that makes it stand out on the LP.

If there’s one major fault, it’s some of the wasted space on the album.  “Change” is essentially a 3+ minute long interlude with Jackson adlibbing and Ange Bellis singing briefly.  “Let It Go” features a hard thumping instrumental from Tony Ozier as Jackson just repeatedly chants “Let it go now.” As soon as it seems he’s about to kick a verse, the track is over.

Brand New Old Me is a successful return for Shawn Jackson.  While there might not be a major change from the emcee he was two years ago, it’s not a negative development in any way.  In a time where we sometimes cringe when our favorite artists try to step outside of the box, it’s good to see someone know their strengths and stick to what they’re best at.  This is the album Shawn Jackson fans wanted and he gave us exactly what we hoped for.

8.0/10

Starget Practice

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Brand New Old Me

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Lah City

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