It’s an exciting time in hip-hop, no thanks to our secular counterparts though. J-Silas is one of the reasons why. God has a remnant of believers who’ve grown up with the culture who He’s drawn to himself who now spit with an eternal purpose with the ‘hood in mind. On Soundproof, the first solo artist release from the RockSoul family, J-Silas showcases his verbal dexterity and zeal to see both believers strengthened and the lost reached. Silas’ empathy for the ‘hood is best captured on track 2 “Backdraft” and track 8 “Thug’s Cry.” Backdraft’s intro is as humorous as it is tragic in that it deals with the all too real struggle of believers to put down the weed. Silas, having “been there and done that” tries to reach Two-Five who delivers the line that may sum up the motives of most in the chronic nation:

…And plus where I’m from everybody is like a pharmacist and weed helps me to cope with my life’s broken promises… - Two-Five from Backdraft

Man, promises were made to broken, I ain’t jokin’ what you gonna ask the pharmacist for when you chokin’… A hard head makes a soft behind or better yet a weak lung, 5 lemme tell you exactly where I’m comin’ from… - J. Silas from Backdraft

Thug’s Cry is delivered with an even greater sense of urgency as Silas deftly condenses the gospel in the hook as the song bottom lines the decision cats still on the block slangin’ need to make regarding their eternity.

Upon first hearing Silas on Man’s Ways (off Rock of Ages Vol. I), I was impressed but wondered if he’d be able to carry an entire album. He puts those doubts to rest immediately when he opens Soundproof with “More Than Conquerors” and his new and improved flow is as noticeable and unexpected as the Jamaican flavored hook courtesy of Monty G. Lee Jerkins a.k.a. Tubbs and David Hackley Jr. gives Silas some diverse sonic canvases on which to paint including Man’s Ways Too, a bookend to the RockSoul original but also arguably the first hip-rock joint where the rock actually predominates rather than serving as an embellishing undercurrent to the track.

Yup we early, morning seeking the Lord’s face, drum bangs Satan’s ears give him some more bass, J & J in the booth fiendin’ for more grace, Philly slang bang Christ so you explore faith – J. Silas from Waas Good Philly

A song for the ladies seems to have become the obligatory joint on most CDs now and Silas’ “Baby Girl” makes the grade on the track and the lyrics. The hook is rather different though and might take you some time to get use to. Silas also adds his ode to another subject we should never tire of hearing about, the crucifixion. “The Cross” is vivid wordplay over a haunting track and should make your “Passion of the Christ” hip-hop mix tape along with some other recent classics.

On Soundproof, Silas seems to ascribe to the “short and sweet” adage, clocking in at a concise 11 tracks. Also there are two instrumentals included for underground cyphas, true emcees will be blessed. Soundproof may not be chockfull of “sure shot singles” but it’s a very solid debut from a hungry emcee whose commitment to his craft is noticeable, whose burden for the hood is evident and who makes God’s biblical solutions clear. Prayerfully Philly radio will rally around a native son and the rest of the country will take note. The support of the body is still not a given, but it shouldn’t be the case for those reading this. Cop it when it drops.

-vessel
11.09.04