Jeanius

Last updated

Jeanius
Jeanius.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 8, 2008
Genre Hip hop
Length49:37
Label Blacksmith
Producer 9th Wonder, Khrysis, Fatin
Jean Grae chronology
This Week
(2004)
Jeanius
(2008)
The Evil Jeanius
(2008)

Jeanius is the third studio album by American rapper Jean Grae. She worked on it with hip hop producer 9th Wonder and intended to release it in 2004, but the album leaked prematurely and spawned various pirated versions of the unfinished project. After Grae's record deal with the label, Jeanius was released on July 8, 2008, by Talib Kweli's Blacksmith Records. [1]

Contents

Background

Scheduled for release as early as 2004, the album was delayed for unknown reasons and has since been heavily bootlegged on the internet. The album was released on July 8, 2008, on Talib Kweli's Blacksmith music label. The booklet for the album contains faithful recreations of classic Hip Hop album covers, [2] featuring images of Grae and 9th Wonder superimposed onto covers of Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back , Das EFX's Dead Serious , Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... , and Black Sheep's A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing . [3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [1]
The A.V. Club B [4]
MSN Music (Consumer Guide)A− [5]
Pitchfork Media 8.3/10 [6]
RapReviews9/10 [7]
Tiny Mix Tapes 3.5/5 [8]
Tom Hull – on the Web B+ ( Five Pointed Star Solid.svg Five Pointed Star Solid.svg ) [9]
URB Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [10]

Andre Barnes of Allmusic called the album "a definitive body of work for both 9th Wonder and Jean Grae — Grae's wit and peculiar charisma are paired with 9th's soulful, sample-heavy production." [1] Alexander F. Remington of The Washington Post felt that 9th Wonder is "not at his best, and as a result the album is merely great rather than classic", but concluded that Grae "proves that she's one of the best MCs alive" with Jeanius. [11] XXL said that she connects with listeners on "an intimate level" with her honesty and "willingness to recount vivid details of painful, haunting past experiences". [12] Pitchfork Media's Nate Patrin wrote that Grae's flow "sounds like a laser-focused, clear-spoken declaration of strength and perseverance", and praised 9th Wonder for tying together all of her "emotional facets" with a "solid, consistent sound". [6]

Although he found its official release "a bit anticlimactic", Mosi Reeves of Spin felt that Grae's "sweet-and-sour lyricism ... still sounds remarkably vibrant", and found 9th Wonder to be "in top form, flipping Phoebe Snow and other soulful '70s samples with emotional fervor." [13] Robert Christgau of MSN Music found her rhymes "jam-packed" and "infinitely smarter about her 'insecurities' and 'moodiness' than her shoegazer counterparts", and gave Jeanius an "A−". [5] Christgau's colleague, Tom Hull, was somewhat less receptive. "Reacting more to the overall vibe", he said Grade is "smart and tight, although this [album] is a bit overwound [and] plagued with guests, who start to get on my nerves." [9]

Track listing

#TitleProducerFeatured guest(s)TimeSamples
1"Intro" 9th Wonder 2:00
2"2-32's"9th WonderDaily Planet4:07
3"Don't Rush Me"9th Wonder 9th Wonder 4:14
4"My Story"9th Wonder4:31
5"The Time Is Now"9th Wonder Phonte 3:43
6"Billy Killer"9th Wonder3:54
7"Think About It"9th Wonder4:06
8"#8" Khrysis 4:06
9"American Pimp"Khrysis Median 3:12
  • "How Can You Stop Loving Someone" by The Emotions
  • "Is This the Way Love’s Supposed to Be" by Sylvia Smith [22]
10"This World"9th Wonder9th Wonder [23] 3:07
11"Love Thirst"9th Wonder5:44
12"Desperada"9th Wonder3:31
13"Smashmouth" Fatin K Hill
Edgar Allen Floe
Joe Scudda
4:59

Personnel

Credits adapted from Allmusic. [1]

Charts

Chart (2008)Peak
position
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [28] 40
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [29] 71

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Brother (group)</span> American hip hop duo

Little Brother is an American hip hop duo from Durham, North Carolina, that consists of rappers Phonte and Big Pooh. DJ and producer 9th Wonder was an original member of the group but departed in 2007. The group has produced five acclaimed studio albums and six mixtapes. Little Brother is highly regarded among hip hop fans and critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jean Grae</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Tsidi Ibrahim, known professionally as Jean Grae, is an American former rapper. She rose in the underground hip hop scene in New York City and built an international fanbase. During her career, Grae's unique music and lyrical style earned recognition as a favorite emcee by many rap artists such as Talib Kweli, Jay-Z, and Black Thought of the Roots.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">9th Wonder</span> American record producer (born 1975)

Patrick Denard Douthit, better known as 9th Wonder, is an American hip hop producer, record executive, and DJ from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who is also teaching faculty at North Carolina Central University and Duke University, where he collaborates with Professor Mark Anthony Neal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phonte</span> American rapper, singer, and producer

Phonte Lyshod Coleman, known mononymously as Phonte, is an American rapper, singer, and producer. He is also a member of Team Supreme, that co-hosts the Questlove Supreme podcast.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blacksmith Records</span> Music management company and record label

Blacksmith is a music management company and a record label founded by Harlem-born Corey Smyth and Talib Kweli of Black Star.

<i>Chemistry</i> (Buckshot and 9th Wonder album) 2005 studio album by Buckshot & 9th Wonder

Chemistry is the first collaborative studio album by American rapper Buckshot and record producer 9th Wonder. It was released on June 21, 2005 through Duck Down Music as a part of the label's "Triple Threat Campaign", preceded by Sean Price's Monkey Barz and followed by Tek & Steele's Smif 'n' Wessun: Reloaded. Recording sessions took place at Missie Ann Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina. Production was handled entirely by 9th Wonder, with Buckshot and Drew "Dru-Ha" Friedman serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Keisha Shontelle, Big Pooh, Joe Scudda, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Phonte, Sean Price and Starang Wondah. This album is paralleled by the Black Moon album Alter the Chemistry, which was basically a remix album produced by Da Beatminerz.

<i>Murrays Revenge</i> 2006 studio album by Murs & 9th Wonder

Murray's Revenge is the second collaboration album from California rapper Murs and North Carolina producer 9th Wonder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little Brother discography</span>

The following is the discography of American hip hop duo Little Brother.

<i>The Dream Merchant Vol. 2</i> 2007 studio album by 9th Wonder

The Dream Merchant Vol. 2 is the second compilation album from producer 9th Wonder, formerly of Little Brother. It was released on October 9, 2007 through Sixhole Records. The album has guest appearances by his former group, Little Brother, his fellow Justus League members, Sean Price, Big Dho, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Chaundon, Skyzoo, Keisha Shontelle, Big Treal, The A.L.L.I.E.S., Jozeemo, Tyler Woods, Joe Scudda, Buckshot, Sean Boog, D.O.X., O-Dash, Buddy Klein & Median, also outside performers including Torae, Mos Def, Memphis Bleek, Jean Grae, Royce Da 5'9, Vandalyzm, Naledge, Saigon, Camp Lo, Ness, Strange Fruit Project & Natural Born Spittas. The album also marks the debut of then-unknown MC, Rapsody.

<i>Dream Merchant Vol. 1</i> 2005 studio album by 9th Wonder

Dream Merchant Vol. 1 is the first album from producer 9th Wonder, formerly of Little Brother.

<i>The Evil Jeanius</i> 2008 studio album by Blue Sky Black Death & Jean Grae

The Evil Jeanius is a collaborative studio album by American hip hop production duo Blue Sky Black Death and American rapper Jean Grae. It was released by Babygrande Records on September 30, 2008.

L.E.G.A.C.Y. is a rapper from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and former member of the Justus League collective.

The Away Team is a hip hop duo consisting of MC Sean Boog and producer Khrysis, both of whom are members of the North Carolina rap collective the Justus League.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skyzoo</span> American rapper (born 1982)

Gregory Skyler Taylor, known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American rapper and songwriter. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including Cloud 9: The 3 Day High with 9th Wonder in 2006, The Salvation in 2009, A Dream Deferred in 2012, Music For My Friends in 2015, and his most recent solo album All the Brilliant Things. Skyzoo has also released a plethora of non-commercial mixtapes including Corner Store Classic and The Great Debater throughout his career, and has worked with artists such as Jill Scott, Wale, Lloyd Banks, Tyrese, Dr. Dre, Raheem Devaughn, Black Thought, Jadakiss, Talib Kweli, Spike Lee, John Legend, and others. Skyzoo has headlined or co-headlined often-yearly tours throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia, and Asia, and he owns and operates the independent record label First Generation Rich.

Christopher Frederick Tyson, better known as Khrysis, is an American hip hop producer and occasional rapper. He is best known as a former member of the Justus League collective, being one half of the duo The Away Team with Sean Boog. He also operates as an in-house producer for The Soul Council, 9th Wonder's producer collective, and acts as one half of the duo Jericho Jackson with Elzhi.

<i>W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)</i> 2011 studio album by Pharoahe Monch

W.A.R. is the third studio album of American hip hop artist Pharoahe Monch released on March 22, 2011 under Duck Down Records. Producers include Lion's Share Music Group, Exile, Marco Polo, M-Phazes, Mike Loe, Fatin "10" Horton, Diamond D, Samiyam, and Fyre Dept.'s Adam Deitch and Eric Krasno, while vocal features are contributed by Idris Elba, Immortal Technique, Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Showtyme, Styles P of The LOX, Phonte, Mela Machinko, Mr. Porter, Jean Grae, Royce da 5'9", Citizen Cope and Jill Scott. Scratches are provided by DJ Boogie Blind of The X-Ecutioners.

The following is a list of productions by American Hip hop producer, Khrysis. The record labels are in parentheses next to the album titles.

<i>The Wonder Years</i> (9th Wonder album) 2011 studio album by 9th Wonder

The Wonder Years is the fourth studio album by American record producer 9th Wonder. It was released on September 27, 2011 through his own label It's a Wonderful World Music Group. Recording sessions took place at Khrysis' Crib, at the Peanut Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina, at Brightlady Studios, and at Record Plant in Los Angeles. Production was handled entirely by 9th Wonder himself, who also served as executive producer. It features guest appearances from Terrace Martin, Median, Phonte, Actual Proof, Big Remo, Bird & The Midnight Falcons, Blu, Erykah Badu, Fashawn, GQ, Halo, Heather Victoria, Holly Weerd, Kendrick Lamar, Khrysis, King Mez, Mac Miller, Marsha Ambrosius, Masta Killa, MeLa Machinko, Murs, Problem, Raekwon, Rapsody, Skyzoo, Talib Kweli, Tanya Morgan, Thee Tom Hardy and Warren G. The album peaked at number 76 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rapsody</span> American rapper from North Carolina

Marlanna Evans, better known by her stage name Rapsody, is an American rapper. After signing with music producer 9th Wonder's music label It's a Wonderful World Music Group, she released a series of mixtapes and collaborated with Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Soon afterwards Rapsody released her debut album The Idea of Beautiful (2012). She would attain further prominence when she was featured on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, on the track "Complexion ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talib Kweli</span> American rapper (born 1975)

Talib Kweli Greene is an American rapper. He earned recognition through his collaboration with fellow Brooklyn rapper Mos Def in 1997, when they formed the group Black Star. Kweli's musical career continued with solo success including collaborations with producers and rappers Kanye West, Just Blaze, and Pharrell Williams. In 2011, Kweli founded his own record label, Javotti Media.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Barnes, Andre. "Jeanius - Jean Grae". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  2. Amazon.com: Jeanius: Jean Grae & 9th Wonder: Music
  3. Heaton, Dave (1 August 2008). "Jean Grae: Jeanius". PopMatters . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  4. Matos, Michaelangelo Matos (14 July 2008). "Jean Grae: Jeanius". The A.V. Club . Chicago. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  5. 1 2 Christgau, Robert (August 2008). "Consumer Guide". MSN Music . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  6. 1 2 Patrin, Nate (30 October 2008). "Jean Grae: Jeanius". Pitchfork Media . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  7. Woods, Emilee (17 June 2008). "Jean Grae :: Jeanius :: Blacksmith Music". RapReviews. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  8. Reed, Bryan. "Jean Grae - Jeanius". Tiny Mix Tapes . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  9. 1 2 Hull, Tom (18 August 2008). "Music Week". Tom Hull – on the Web. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
  10. "Jean Grae – Jeanius (Review)". URB . West Hollywood. 10 June 2008. Archived from the original on 11 October 2012. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  11. Remington, Alexander F. (5 December 2008). "CD Review - Jean Grae's 'Jeanius'". The Washington Post . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  12. "Review: Jeanius". XXL . New York: 132. July 2008.
  13. Reeves, Mosi (8 July 2008). "Jean Grae, 'Jeanius' (Blacksmith)". Spin . New York. Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  14. Grae, Jean. "Intro". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  15. Jean Grae and Daily Plannet. "2-32s". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  16. Grae, Jean. "Don't Rush Me". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  17. Grae, Jean. "My Story". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  18. Jean Grae and Phonte. "The Time is Now". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  19. Grae, Jean. "Billy Killer". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  20. Grae, Jean. "Think About It". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  21. Grae, Jean. "# 8". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  22. Jean Grae and Median. "American Pimp". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  23. 1 2 Jean Grae and 9th Wonder. "This World". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  24. Grae, Jean. "Love Thirst". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  25. Grae, Jean. "Desperada". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  26. Jean Grae, K-Hill, Edgar Allen Floe and Joe Scudda. "Smashmouth". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. "Jean Grae - Jeanius CD Album". CD Universe. Muze . Retrieved 10 March 2013.
  28. "Jean Grae Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard.
  29. "Jean Grae Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.

Further reading