Pray IV Reign

Last updated

They did a show [at United Palace Theater] up in Washington Heights, the initial conversation was just that it was an honor to meet them, I think they're kinna cool. And from there it led into me saying, It'd be crazy if I remixed "Electric Feel". They were like, Yeah, that would be crazy. So I said, Let me get the beats and shit.

Release and promotion

On July 8, 2008, Jones' released a song titled "The Good Shit", featuring production from Ron Browz and a guest appearance from fellow ByrdGang member NOE. [8] [9] It was intended to be the album's first single when it was titled Back 2 Back, but was instead used for promotional purposes. [10]

"Pop Champagne", a song Jones recorded with Ron Browz and Dipset cohort Juelz Santana, was leaked online in the summer of 2008. It quickly became a club banger and hit single, peaking at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was released as the album's lead single on September 4, 2008. The song proved to be Jones' second most successful single to date, behind his 2006 hit "We Fly High".

In October 2008, Jim Jones released a promotional video for the album, rapping his verse on his remix to Kid Cudi's "Day 'n' Nite". [11] Jim Jones initially wanted to release the album on December 9, which was coincidentally the same date Jay-Z was going to release The Blueprint 3 and 50 Cent was going to release Before I Self Destruct . [12]

To promote the album, Jones worked with Damon Dash and director J. Kyle Manzay to stage the play Hip-Hop Monologues: Inside the Life and Mind of Jim Jones. The “Hip-Hop Monologues” is a musical theatrical experience, co-written by Jim Jones, using the music from Pray IV Reign, as the platform. An ensemble of professional actors portray various characters from Jones’ past, while Jones performed his new songs in the context of a scripted story. The two-day only play pulled in a packed audience of fans, media, and celebrities. Infused with a live band the performance "Gives you that live instrumentation feel — more like a real Broadway type of feel as opposed to just seeing a hip-hop track. So, you’ll get to hear both the real music from off of the album and then the band comes in and it takes over and it gives you that really funky feeling" said Jones of the play. [13]

On January 1, 2009 a song titled "Na Na Nana Na Na" was premiered and on February 17, was released to iTunes. It serves as the album's second single and features up-and-coming singer Brittney Taylor AKA Bree-Beauty. Jim Jones also teamed up with BET, to promote the album as well. On March 2, 2009, Jim Jones appeared on BET's 106 & Park to premiere the music video for "Na Na Nana Na Na". Later on in the show he announced that from March 2 to March 24, he would be announcing a new item out of his "Swag Bag". The goal for the fans was to keep track of all the items announced each day and once you've collected all the items, you had to log on to BET.com/JimJones on Friday, March 20 to enter the contest for a chance to win Jim Jones’ "Swag Bag". Who ever entered all 24 items correctly won the "Swag Bag" and its items.

Jones partnered with iTunes, which had a "Countdown to Jim Jones Pray IV Reign". On February 17, they released the second single "Na Na Nana Na Na". On March 3, they released "Precious" featuring vocals and production from Ryan Leslie, on March 17, the song titled "Frenemies" was released, and on March 24, the entire album was released. The lead single from Pray IV Reign, "Pop Champagne", which spent two weeks as America's #1 urban single, was also incorporated into the countdown and was already available for sale.

Reception

Critical response

Pray IV Reign
Pray IV Reign.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 24, 2009
Recorded200709
Genre Hip hop
Length74:45
Label
Producer
Jim Jones chronology
Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment)
(2006)
Pray IV Reign
(2009)
The Rooftop
(2009)
Deluxe Edition cover
Jimjones-prayivreign.jpg
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]
Artistdirect Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Beats Per Millennium(5.3/10) [16]
Entertainment Weekly (C+) [17]
HipHopDXStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [18]
PREFIXMAG.Com(4/10) [19]
RapReviews(8/10) [20]
Slant Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [21]
Spin Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [22]
XXL Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg(XL) [23]

XXL gave the album a 4/5, stating that the album is an extreme improvement with many heartfelt tracks, but many disappointments. XXL complimented the lead single, "Pop Champagne", "My My My", and the promo singles "Precious" and "Frenemies", but disliked the second single "Na Na Nana Na Na", "Pop Off" and "This Is the Life". [23]

Alex Thornton of HopHopDX liked the songs "How to Be a Boss" with Ludacris saying it stole the show, "Precious" with Ryan Leslie and "My My My". He also liked the lead single "Pop Champagne" but like most critics he hated the second single "Na Na Nana Na Na" [18]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at #9 on the Billboard 200 with 42,982 copies sold in its first week released. [24]

Track listing

[25] [26] [27] [28]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro" (featuring Starr) Andre Parker, Aqueelah McCummings, Ernest Wilson, Gene McDaniels, Joseph Jones No I.D., Chink Santana (co.)5:14
2."Pulling Me Back" (featuring Chink Santana)Charles Bobino III, Demetri Duncan, Dexter Randall, Jones, ParkerTrackSlayerz, Chink Santana (co.)3:45
3."Let It Out"Dave West, JonesSupa Dave West4:08
4."How to Be a Boss" (featuring Ludacris and NOE) Duane Bridgeford, Christopher Bridges, Jones, Rondell Turner Ron Browz 5:07
5."Medicine" (featuring NOE and Chink Santana)Bridgeford, Jones, ParkerChink Santana5:36
6."Frienemies" Ernest Isley, Christopher Jasper, Jones, Marvin Isley, O'Kelly Isley, Parker, Ronald Isley, Rudolph Isley Chink Santana4:16
7."Precious" (featuring Ryan Leslie) Anthony Leslie, Jones, Parker Ryan Leslie 4:10
8."Blow the Bank" (featuring Oshy and Starr)Jones, Michael Crawford, Thomas ByrdMagnedo73:46
9."This Is for My Bitches" (featuring Oshy)Byrd, Jones, Ronald Ferebee, Jr.Young Yonny3:44
10."Girlfriend" (featuring Juelz Santana and Oshy)Bridgeford, Byrd, Jones, LaRon James, ParkerChink Santana4:51
11."This Is the Life" (featuring Starr)Bridgeford, Charles King, McCummings, Jones, Andre Atkins, Michael FloydTriple-A4:18
12."My My My" (featuring Rawana)Ayinde Thomas, Jones, Teraike CrawfordChris Styles, Cylla, Dangerous LLC4:28
13."Pop Off" (featuring NOE and Mel Matrix)Bridgeford, Jones, Joseph Holmes Young Seph 4:12
14."Pop Champagne" (with Ron Browz featuring Juelz Santana)James, Jones, TurnerRon Browz3:35
15."Rain" (featuring Rell, NOE, and Starr)Bridgeford, Gerrell Gaddis, Jones, TurnerRon Browz5:33
16."Na Na Nana Na Na" (featuring Bree-Beauty)Bridgeford, Brittney Taylor, Jed Cappelli, Jones, Matthew FriedmanILLFONICS3:59
Sample credits

Chart positions

Chart (2009)Peak
position
U.S. Billboard 200 [29] 9
U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums [30] 2
U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums [31] 1

Pray IV Reign: The Mixtape

Pray IV Reign: The Mixtape
Jim Jones - Pray IV Reign.jpg
Mixtape by
ReleasedMarch 3, 2009
Recorded2008–2009
Genre Hip hop
Label Columbia, Sony
Producer Harley Is Majik, Ryan Leslie
Jim Jones chronology
Jim Jones & Skull Gang Present A Tribute To Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps
(2008)
Pray IV Reign: The Mixtape
(2009)
Pray IV Reign
(2009)

Jim Jones released a mixtape, titled Pray IV Reign: The Mixtape, on March 3, 2009 to promote the album. Most of the songs on the mixtape are tracks that failed to make the album's final track listing. [32] [33]

Track listing

No.TitleProducerLength
1."Trippin" (featuring Laylee) 4:44
2."Shorty" (featuring NOE and Rell) 5:39
3."Religion"Harley Is Majik5:22
4."Medicine" (featuring NOE and Chink Santana) 5:36
5."Fast Money" (featuring Mel Matrix and Sandman) 4:02
6."Uptown" (featuring Rell) 4:27
7."Precious" (featuring Ryan Leslie)Ryan Leslie4:10
8."My Life" (featuring Chink Santana and NOE) 5:50
9."Catch Up" (featuring Oshy) 2:28

Charts

Charts (2009)Peak
position
U.S. Top Rap Albums 11 [31]
U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 38 [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Busta Rhymes</span> American rapper (born 1972)

Trevor George Smith Jr., known professionally as Busta Rhymes, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the moniker Busta Rhymes, after NFL and CFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes. He has received 12 Grammy Award nominations for his work, making him one of the most-nominated artists without winning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juelz Santana</span> American rapper

LaRon Louis James, better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper and member of East Coast hip hop group the Diplomats. He is best known for his appearances on Cam'ron's 2002 singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma," which peaked at numbers four and three respectively on the Billboard Hot 100. His appearance on Chris Brown's 2005 single, "Run It!" peaked atop the chart for five weeks and received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As a lead artist, he is known for his 2003 single "There It Go ," which peaked at number six on the chart and received platinum certification by the RIAA.

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

Rufus Johnson, better known by his stage name Bizarre, is an American rapper, best known for his work with the Detroit-based hip hop group D12.

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

Joseph Guillermo Jones II, better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and record executive. He is a founding member of the hip hop collective the Diplomats alongside longtime friend and fellow New York City native Cam'ron.

"Ether" is a diss track by American rapper Nas, from his 2001 album Stillmatic. The song was a response to Jay-Z's "Takeover", released earlier that year. "Ether" has been called a "classic" diss track and the "wildest" in hip hop history by music publications.

Mason Durell Betha, better known by his mononym Mase, is an American rapper. In the late 1990s, he recorded on the Bad Boy Records label alongside its founder Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs to significant mainstream success. In 1997 and 1998, Mase had a total of five platinum singles, five Hot Rap Songs number one singles, and six Billboard Hot 100 top ten singles, stemming from his guest features on Sean Combs' singles "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and "Been Around the World", the Notorious B.I.G.'s "Mo Money Mo Problems", as well as his singles as a lead artist: "Feel So Good", "What You Want" and "Lookin' at Me". Both "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and "Mo Money Mo Problems" topped the Billboard Hot 100.

<i>Back on My B.S.</i> 2009 studio album by Busta Rhymes

Back on My B.S. is the eighth studio album by American rapper Busta Rhymes. It was released on May 19, 2009 through Flipmode and Universal Motown.

<i>On My Way to Church</i> 2004 studio album by Jim Jones

On My Way to Church is the debut studio album by American rapper and record executive Jim Jones. The album was released on August 24, 2004, through Diplomat Records and Koch Records. The production on the album was handled by various producers including Chad Hamilton, Boola, Ryan Press, Heatmakerz and Jones himself among others. The album also features guest appearances by T.I., Cam'ron, Bun B, Juelz Santana and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juelz Santana discography</span>

The discography of American rapper Juelz Santana consists of two studio albums, one compilation album, seven mixtapes, and 22 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Jones discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

American rapper Jim Jones has released seven studio albums, five collaborative albums, three compilation albums, two extended plays (EPs), nineteen mixtapes and 47 singles. Jones is perhaps best known for being a member of East Coast hip hop group The Diplomats, with whom he recorded several mixtapes with before releasing their debut album Diplomatic Immunity, in 2003. In August 2004, Jones released his solo debut album On My Way to Church, under Diplomat Records and E1 Music. The album was preceded by the release of the singles "Certified Gangstas" and "Crunk Muzik", the latter of which features his Dipset-cohorts Juelz Santana and Cam'ron, and also supported the release of Dipset's second album Diplomatic Immunity 2 (2004).

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

Jermaine Coleman, better known by his stage name Maino, is an American rapper and radio personality from Brooklyn, New York City. His 2008 debut single, "Hi Hater" entered Billboard's Hot Rap Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Bubbling Under Hot 100. This led to him to sign with Atlantic Records and release his 2009 follow-up single "All the Above", which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Both singles preceded the release of his debut studio album If Tomorrow Comes… (2009), which peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200. Its sequel, The Day After Tomorrow (2012) peaked at number 94 and spawned the single "Let It Fly".

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

The discography of Maino, an American hip hop recording artist, consists of two studio albums, one compilation album, one extended play (EP), thirteen mixtapes, nine singles, four promotional singles and nine music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pop Champagne</span> 2008 single by Jim Jones and Ron Browz featuring Juelz Santana

"Pop Champagne" is a song by American hip hop recording artists Ron Browz and Jim Jones, officially released as a single on September 4, 2008 by Columbia and Universal Motown Records. The song features a guest appearance from fellow American rapper and Jones' Dipset cohort Juelz Santana. The song serves as the lead single from Jones' fourth studio album Pray IV Reign (2009). The song proved to be Jones' second most successful single to date, behind his 2006 hit "We Fly High".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arab Money</span> 2008 single by Busta Rhymes featuring Ron Browz

"Arab Money" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Busta Rhymes, released as the lead single from his eighth studio album Back on My B.S. (2009). The song features production and vocals by fellow New York City-based rapper Ron Browz.

Rondell Edwin Turner, better known by his stage name Ron Browz, is an American recording artist and record producer from Harlem, New York. He initially gained major recognition after producing the Jay-Z diss track, "Ether" by Nas. Due to the notoriety of the song, Browz adopted the nickname Ether Boy. In 2008, he began recording music as a rapper, utilizing the Auto-Tune effect and subsequently released the popular single, "Pop Champagne". He also founded his own record label imprint, Ether Boy Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Na Na Nana Na Na</span> 2009 single by Jim Jones featuring Bree-Beauty

"Na Na Nana Na Na" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Jim Jones, released as the second single from his fourth studio album, Pray IV Reign (2009). The song features vocals from Brittney "Bree-Beauty" Taylor and was produced by production duo ILLFONICS. The title of the song refers to "nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah" the lexigraphic representation of a common children's chant often used in taunting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John (Lil Wayne song)</span> 2011 single by Lil Wayne featuring Rick Ross

"John" is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne, and the second single from his album Tha Carter IV. The song features rapper Rick Ross, and it peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. "John" was released on March 24, 2011, on iTunes. The song uses the hook from Rick Ross' song "I'm Not a Star" from his album Teflon Don. The song title is a reference to English musician John Lennon. Lil Wayne performed the song at 2011's MTV Video Music Awards to the riff of Black Sabbath song, Iron Man.

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

Duane Stacy Bridgeford, better known by his stage name NOE, is an American hip hop recording artist from Baltimore, Maryland. He is best known for his affiliation with Jim Jones and his involvement in East Coast hip hop group ByrdGang. He was featured on most of the songs for M.O.B.: The Album (2008) and was a prominent writer and featured artist on Jim Jones' Pray IV Reign (2009). His song, “Done Did It,” is licensed to ABC’s number one crime drama Detroit 1-8-7 for the first episode, which was watched by 13 million viewers.

<i>The Nacirema Dream</i> 2013 studio album by Papoose

The Nacirema Dream is the debut studio album by American rapper Papoose. The album was first announced to be released under Jive Records in 2006, but after many delays and label issues, it was released on March 26, 2013, through Honorable Records and Fontana Records. The album features guest appearances from Mobb Deep, Erykah Badu, Jim Jones, Jadakiss, Remy Ma, Mavado, DJ Premier and Ron Browz among others. The album was supported by the three singles "On Top of My Game" featuring Mavado, "What's My Name" featuring Remy Ma, and "Get At Me" featuring Ron Browz. Upon release the album received generally positive reviews and debuted at number 97 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

<i>Friday on Elm Street</i> 2017 studio album by Fabolous and Jadakiss

Friday on Elm Street is a collaborative studio album by American rappers Fabolous and Jadakiss. It was released on November 24, 2017, by Street Family Records, Roc Nation, D-Block Records, Def Jam Recordings. The album is preceded by one single, "Stand Up" featuring Future.

References

  1. "Pray IV Reign: Jim Jones: Music". Amazon. Retrieved 2010-03-16.
  2. Jim Jones preps Beck 2 Back Archived 2008-07-09 at the Wayback Machine , defsound.com.
  3. "Jim Jones "Pray For Reign" NY Album Listening Session". Youresopop.blogspot.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  4. Jim Jones Preps "Pray For Reign", Streetcred.com
  5. "stackbundles.com - Domain Name For Sale". Dan.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  6. Reid, Shaheem. "Jim Jones Sets His Sights On Broadway With 'Hip-Hop Monologues'". MTV News. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  7. "Jim Jones To Remix MGMT's "Electric Feel" On New Album". Archived from the original on 2008-11-19. Retrieved 2008-11-24.
  8. "Jim Jones - Good Shit". Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  9. The Good Stuff, Amazon.com.
  10. "Jim Jones (jimjones) on Myspace". Myspace.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  11. "Hip-Hop News, Rap Music". XXL Mag. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  12. Reid, Shaheem. "Jim Jones Kick-Starts Major-Label Solo Debut With 'Pop Champagne' And A Hip-Hop Play". MTV News. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  13. Hip Hop Monologues: Jim Jones, Swaggnews.com
  14. Jeffries, David (2009-03-24). "Pray IV Reign - Jim Jones". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  15. "Pray IV Reign review - Jim Jones Review". ArtistDirect. 2009-03-24. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  16. "Beats Per Millennium - Jim Jones: Pray IV Reign". Beatspermil.com. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  17. Simon Vozick-Levinson (2009-03-25). "Pray IV Reign Review". EW.com. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  18. 1 2 Thornton, Alex (2009-03-23). "Jim Jones - Pray IV Reign | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  19. "Album Review: Jim Jones - Pray IV Reign | Prefix". Prefixmag.com. 2009-04-28. Archived from the original on 2012-06-03. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  20. "Jim Jones :: Pray IV Reign :: Columbia Records". Rapreviews.com. 2009-03-31. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  21. "Music". Slantmagazine.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  22. "Jim Jones, 'Pray IV Reign' (Columbia)". SPIN. 31 January 2009. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  23. 1 2 "REVIEW: Jim Jones, Pray IV Reign". Xxlmag.Com. Archived from the original on 2010-11-15. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  24. Paine, Jake (2009-04-01). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 3/29/2009 | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX.com. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  25. "Pray IV Reign". Archived from the original on 2009-03-02. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  26. "Pray IV Reign". Amazon.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  27. Discography - Jim Jones - Pray IV Reign, Billboard.com
  28. "Credits | The Official Jim Jones Site". Archived from the original on 2011-03-26. Retrieved 2009-03-21.
  29. Trust, Gary (22 January 2015). "We're No. 1! 'Billboard #1 Gospel Hits' Debuts Atop Gospel Albums Chart". Billboard.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  30. 1 2 "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard.com. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  31. 1 2 "Top Rap Albums". Billboard.com. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  32. "Mix Tape - Lm". Amazon.com. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  33. [ dead link ]