The Hear After

Rykodisc Inc.

If you like... Living Legends, Zion I

Lame-ass tracks: “Fire Water,” “Audio Visual”

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J-Live stays true to his underground hip-hop background with The Hear After, where he gloats about being the “best MC ever.” In the past, he has maintained interest because of his live performances, where he simultaneously DJs and rhymes.

“Fire Water” states that the flow will get you up quick and ready to party, but the sampled violin and base line actually mellow the beat — a blatant contradiction.

“Audio Visual” offers a slightly different beat than the rest of the album, but the lyrics fail to create a powerfully visual audio.

The Hear After is nothing special, consisting of uninteresting beats. While J-Live’s lyrical ability is strong — even after 10 years of rapping — he fails to separate himself from the crowd. Still, he deserves respect for his independence and hard work.

—John Coates,/b>