[REVIEW] JMAPS'S 808 JUKEBOX
Worlds collide in JMAP’s experimental mixtape 808 JUKEBOX, a collection of genre-bending tracks that push the boundaries of modern taste. Drawing inspiration from 1950’s soft rock and golden-era hip-hop, the artist upends popular music in favour of something a little more unique.
His La Bamba remix sounds like a Tik Tok mashup, minus the terrible audio quality and out-of-key vocals. The track is a perfect blend of cutting-edge production and appropriated production. Throwing down some new lyrics over the Mexican classic, JMAP’s vocal delivery is reminiscent of artists such as KYLE and LilTecca.
‘JMAP redefines vintage in modern hip-hop’
(Image credit: 808 JUKEBOX artwork provided by artist)
This kind of fusion is key to JMAP’s formulaic approach to production; contemporary vocal performances atop timeless instrumentals. Take his Blue Moon remix for instance. A stripped back arrangement allows the artist to truly flex his musical prowess. Opting for lyrics that would seem to echo Juice Wlrd or Iann Dior, JMAP takes angsty vocals and lays them down over sparse and thoughtful production. The track crescendos into soaring harmonies after a measured yet pacey intro, doing away with drums entirely. Here, the priority is on the vocals and the vocals only.
‘Thrilled to share this new experience with the world and introduce JMAP to all music lovers’
Image Credit: JMAP’s Instagram
808 JUKEBOX is no new foray for JMAP. Cutting his teeth in a pop duo called SEGANA, the Sydney-based artist performed regularly in the years before starting his current solo career. He describes his new vision as a response to the stale nature of hip-hop. One look at the artist’s visual communication confirms this commitment to class, with a consistently monochromatic and formally dressed aesthetic.
With two singles already up on Soundcloud, the project is well underway. Two more singles are slated to release within the next few weeks. JMAP is hell bent on originality, and modern music deserves a little shake up every now and again, don’t you think?
Follow JMAP’s releases on his Soundcloud here.
