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  Release Date: November, 2006
  Website: Graffiti Jones Website
  Label: Gary Johnson Music

Graffiti Jones “Seven” Album Review
In the words of Graffiti Jones, “hip-hop ain’t what it used to be.” Plain and simple. And to be honest with you, I’m still trying to figure out whether or not that’s a good thing. Personally, I like the direction hip-hop is headed, even with all the disturbing side elements you see on TV or hear on the radio.  

The underground is older, stronger, and more conscious than ever dogg. But every once in a while, I miss the Old School: A time when hip-hop seemed more fun and less complicated. A time when life seemed more fun and less complicated.

I guess that’s why I instantly liked Graffiti Jones’ “Seven.” It’s got a real old-school sound to it, and from a rapper that grew up around my way in the Midwestern city of Columbus, Ohio, there was a lot of conscious thought in the album to which I felt related. The sound often reminded me of cooking out in my mom’s backyard in the summertime. And overall, “Seven” created a feeling of nostalgia that brought back that feeling of the Old School.

I was riding around listening to the album yesterday, and I flashed back to freestyling on the back of the bus; to practicing our graff skills on paper with crayons and markers by the fireplace; to break dancing on the playground at recess. B-boy stances and beat boxing. Adidas with fat shoelaces. Jumping over my own leg and doing the kickworm motherfuckers! I don’t know man … but just thinking about that time in hip-hop puts a smile on my face.

Old-School Hip-Hop Sundays
My grandmother always used to say that everybody needs a Sabbath. Not necessarily a religious Sabbath, and it definitely didn’t have to be on a Sunday, but everybody needs a day of their own to relax and enjoy life. I always felt that.

By the time I got to college, my Sabbath had become my old-school hip-hop Sundays. I remember waking up early every Sunday morning, hitting a little urb and taking a jog with some Tribe, KRS-One or De La Soul in my walkman. Then I would drive from campus to my mom’s house for Sunday dinner bumping some Slick Rick or LL Cool J. Once there, we would throw on some of my brother’s favorites, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Digable Planets or the Beastie Boys. And just lay back, cook some burgers, catch up on the times, and be happy.

I miss those times man … I really do. But life and hip-hop moves on. All we got now is the memories, and an occasional nostalgic album like Graffiti Jones’ “Seven.” Despite the old-school mood and feel, this kid comes across as a very conscious and intellectual lyricist, with highly creative songs and topics. Track two is a metaphoric comparison of the world in relation to the Tetris video game. Track seven is a feel good track that discusses music as a means of escapism. Track nine is a story of the African slave trade told in first person through the eyes of a young boy from Benin. Track twelve is a Rasta-influenced contemplation of the teachings and beliefs of Marcus Garvey. And track fifteen is a civil rights-inspired get up hip-hop anthem.

From old-school to conscious to revolutionary, Graffiti Jones brings that real hip-hop ya’ll. I highly recommend checking it out for those of you who miss the Old School, those of you who remember it, or those of you who want to know what it was like. Throw it in next time you’re barbequing, just sitting around reminiscing, or celebrating your Sabbath, whenever it may be. I guarantee it will bring you back. Peace.