10th Street Dre
“Jezu$ Wuz A Ni66@“ is a collection of rhythmically driven streams of consciousness, provoked by the black experience.
Only consisting of 3 instruments throughout, the production is minimal. Drums, bass and guitar, all played by Producing A Kind Generation; the alt-rock trio, for which 10th Street Dre is the guitarist and songwriter.
This “skeletal” production approach allows space for the informed lyricism of 10th Street Dre to reach each listener intimately. Within his half hour monologue he touches an array of weighted subjects; with systemic oppression, global affairs and religion being a few.
“Jezu$ Wuz A Ni66@“ asks questions that need to be answered and makes statements that need to be felt. This album was not created for the lonesome sake of being heard, it was created to be discussed. “Jezu$ Wuz A Ni66@“ is a reflection of the times and a declaration of resistance.
“Brokeblack Mountain” is the expressive equivalent of bending a toothpick. Each song displays a man nearly cracked in two, hoping for a chance that he ironically seems to have given up on.
Lyrically, the work shimmers with awareness and societal sensitivity. From the fear of technology, to the pangs of poverty, 10th Street Dre provides perspective worthy of consideration. On the track entitled American Fiction, the crooner opens both verses condescendingly as he sings “It pays to be a black man”. Before the album reaches that point you’ll come to The Rolling Hills, where the writer shares his vision of an ideal world, this tune serves as the record’s optimistic North Star.
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Musically this effort is blunt and simplistic, the fingers are only playing the notes necessary to carry their commanding vessel’s message and without question, he has one.