Jake LefcoAh, the long awaited full length from Mr. Jake Lefco is finally here courtesy of KRU Records and people are still sleeping on this cat. As I mentioned in my previous review for Jake's "Headphones", Philly hip-hop is dropping bombs on many ears. And with the recent releases of the mighty Jedi Mind Tricks new full length and recently Side Effects "Dirt Hustlin" there's no denying the Philly movement. And I can't skimp on Jake because "And You Are?" is full of pleasantries.
This 14 track album features the ear pleasing cuts of "Headphones," "Get Pleasant", and a remixed version of "Keep An Eye Out" from his "Headphones" 12" release. But don't fret, there is plenty of new nastiness. Easily the best track on the album, "Classic Material" features Reef The Lost Cauze and Jake Lefco laying down murderous rhymes over murderous beats. "Wake Up Call" featuring Reef The Lost Cauze and Scandal (of 40th Dimension) is definitely one of the standouts. "Systems Down" is a real dope track about politics and features a real fucking nasty beat with a metal twist. It's got some nice bass with loads of treble that reminds me of Les Claypool's tone. The little guitar riff was a nice touch too.
In days where you got cats rapping about slinging and shooting, and fake ass skaters like Lupe Fiasco, it's a breath of fresh air to hear Jake spit honest rhymes about he is who and where he comes from. Sure to a certain extent there is some bravado shit but Jake is rapping about a nice little world I call "reality". Whether it's about buying some shit from Wawa or spending days in Conshy, or giving his pop's props Jake is refreshingly honest.
The beats on this thing are fucking exquisite. For the most part it's Happ G (KRU Jack of All Trades)handling the knob work for this banger but theres some work done by the Snuff man. I was also pleased to notice that DJ Kwestion, who has been everywhere lately, supplied some choice cuts.
The album is housed in a slick digipack that sports some images of Jake in various sections around Philly. There isn't a booklet but considering this one is only a mere $5.99 I can deal, plus it's not like there's any lyrics that need to be printed.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Classic Material, Wake Up Call and Systems Down.
Thesis: I was definitely feeling the 12" but this shit is definitely a big step up for Jake. Hopefully kids will start to put an ear out for this shit. It's honest and real which is a fucking rarity in hip hop these days.