Everyone and their grandma remembers where they were when they first heard The Diplomats rap over a Heatmakerz beat. Those infamous drums and howling vocal samples on songs like “I’m Ready” and “Dipset Anthem” teleported listeners to the heart of Harlem, where Dipset reigned supreme.
That was a whopping 16 years ago and still, nothing in the rap game sounds more satisfying than hearing Cam, Juelz or Jim’s Harlem-bred voice lathered over those soul-piercing Heatmakerz instrumentals.
It’s quite literally chicken soup for the Hip Hop head’s soul.
Finally, after all these years, Jim Jones and Heatmakerz attempt to serve up another steaming hot bowl of Uptown anthems with the recently released El Capo – which comes just in the nick of time. Not to say that Jim had fallen off the rap map altogether but his past few releases didn’t give fans enough to talk about – El Capo changes that. The 16-track album is produced in full by Heatmakerz and with the help of a few featured guests, focuses purely on Jones’ life and times.
Album opener “Cristal Occasions” sounds exactly how one would assume a Jim Jones and Heatmakerz intro would sound; a curdling vocal sample, knocking 808s and a state of the union address from the Capo himself. Without rush yet with serious vigor Jim talks about the trials and tribulations of coming up in Harlem while toasting to his decades of success. Aside from this intro and a small handful of other tracks (“NYC,” “Mama I Made It” and “To Whom It May Concern”) that sound like they are fresh off of a 2002 Heatmakerz MPC, the sounds are well evolved.
The best example of Heatmakerz growth is on perhaps the album’s most seasoned track and an overall ode to the Big Apple; “Pity in the Summer.” Jones talks that standard New York tough alongside Cam’ron, Fred The Godson, Marc Scibilia and Rain910 but Heat’s beat is just as tropical as it is triumphant. After listening to it a few times it’s hard to decide whether you want to put on Timbs and a hoodie or a floral shirt and sandals. Either way, it should be a staple on anyone’s summer BBQ playlist. “Nothing Lasts” with Fabolous is another smooth salsa-esque cut that seamlessly blends mean mug raps with accompanying maracas.
Jones, on the other hand, keeps his subject matter nearly identical to anything heard on his previous few albums. There are tracks like “Love of the Hustle” and “Sports Cars” that toast purely to his decades of success as a rapper, drug dealer and kufi clapper. There are the silky player anthems like “State of the Union” in which Jones flexes the fact that he spends his summers in NYC and winters in Miami. Then are those tracks that are used as a soundtrack to the Harlem hardships (which Jones has become an expert at making). If no other growth, flash or ferocity is showcased from Jones on this album, he comes crazy correct with the Uptown tearjerkers. “Good Die Young” featuring an angsty chorus from Marc Scibilia is Jim at his best with lines like “I’m still affiliated with fellas that’s cautious/Lookin’ at the news, man, we closer to hell than I thought/Reflectin’ while I’m smokin’ an L in my Porsche/Straight up out my pocket, man, I just posted bail in the car”. If that doesn’t paint a perfect self-portrait of an older, troubled, sweatsuit-wearing veteran Harlem drug lord, then nothing will.
Even though Heatmakerz steals the show, Jim should hang his hat on the fact El Capo is his best album from the past ten years. He delivers just enough lyrical dexterity and musical variety to make the songs enjoyable for Dipset die-hards and casual fans alike. There is no doubt his legacy in the game is sealed firmly but he should also recognize that the dazzling duo making up Heatmakerz provide him the best chance to regain any of his former footing in Hip Hop’s ever-evolving hierarchy.
[apple_news_ad type=”standard”]
4.9
Jim’s definitely the most improved rapper I’ve ever heard. I had Confessions of fire and remember those struggle bars on Me my mom and Jimmy. Now he’s the best of the group, crazy…
This shit bangs on all levels.
3.9 Smh. This is one of the best albums to drop this year if not the best.
Not even a huge jim jones fan but this album is super fire
Its Dipset, bitch
Jimmy always got it in him he a street dude so I always feel him ???
Could have done without the Officer Ricky feat. I thought Jimmy didn’t fuck with that fat swaggerless lying fraud.
Classic NY feel and talking that talk in only a way Jim Jones can. Could not have asked for more. Features fit, beats fit, Jim Jones definitely on his second wind game, and can’t wait to continue this next phase.
If I had to give a critique; maybe having an old juelz verse or hook since he wasn’t available and maybe one classic Diplomat sounding track with relentless swag talk and a summer club street beat.
One of the best albums of 2019, hands down
I haven’t stop playing for A month now this is the album of the year. The 2019 summer classic
OY! HAS ANYONE HERE EVER SAID THE SHMA YISROEL TRYING TO GET A DONKEY TO DRINK??? DONKEY DRINKLE!!! OYYYYYYY!!! YABOBOBOBOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Real Rap❗️????
5/5 ifw this ???
Stays on repeat. ? Jim
Jim Jones deserves more credit than your story suggests. He’s on another level with this project. Great work from him
Definitely a awesome project from him… His lyrics has always stayed consistent with his overall message and I think on this album he displayed that… This album definitely deserve at the least gold…
This is an album you can flow too. On the highway in your drop top. This album is ?
Jim Jones started the summer off right with the dope album. I’m in Puerto Rico listening to it since it dropped. Straight fire.
Love him always!
This is good shit but you know everyone is just waiting on your Bandana review. Why you guys always so late to the party?
Jim Jones remind me of Fat Joe great ear for beats can make the radio female hits or the grimey street shit overshadowed in they early career by they crew but now they solid mc’s wit dope catalogs / legacy
Solid af … great productions and vivid rhymes … Jim Jones makes you understand he ain’t. I one to fluck with
Great Album for the Summer. Although the Heatmakers shined through, I wouldn’t overlook Jimmy’s performance as an MC. I feel like he was really able to execute his vision for the project
Facts!!
This shit was actually fire. Heatmakerz come through with ab evolved sound. Definitely feeling Jim Jones on this project as his rapping has improved.
Jim definitely can spit the fire lyrics I’m just not too impressed with the sounds. I need a Headbanger. Honestly I feel like he’s getting too much credit for this album
An awesomely produced collab by Jones and Heatmakerz. Jones’ lyrical content along with the variety of song and well placed features is flawless. What you have here is not only Jones’ best album, but one of the best in 2019.
Great collaborative effort by Jones and Heatmakerz. The lyrical content along with the variety song and well placed features makes this Jones’ best album. And one of the best albums of 2019