I’m not going to front and pretend like this isn’t the first Jedi Mind Tricks album I heard, it is. For years I have heard the name but JMT was one of those groups I never really checked into. Damn I have been missing out!

For those like myself who are new to JMT their sound can be classified as HARDCORE. No skin tightclothes-big belt buckle-stunna shades wearing hipster rap style here…..pure unadulterated Hip Hop.

Jus Allah, Vinnie Paz & DJ Stoupe and DJ Kwestion collective known as Jedi Mind Tricks have been around since 1996. Mostly known throughout the East coast. This multi-ethnic, multi-religious crew have been steadily building an underground empire of sorts. The long list of groups and MC’s affliated or connected to JMT is immense. They indeed have the east coast on lockdown. Surprisingly though they haven’t achieved mainstream or underground success like Talib Kweli or Dilated Peoples. Unfortunately ,you won’t be seeing them on MTV anytime soon despite their loyal suburban fan base.

History of Violence is their sixth album. The overall sound of the album is dark & full of energy. No filler tracks or random out of wack songs on this album. It’s pretty solid all the way through. It’s exactly how I like my Hip Hop…..pure , hardcore and great.

Some standouts tracks are…

“Deathbed Doctrine”, on this track DJ Kwestion brings that funky scratchin that fans of turntablism will enjoy. Jus & Vinnie spit furious on this fast paced high energy tune.

“Monlith”, a joint that has arabic like singing in background. It could be Arabic since my Arabic isn’t great but it sounds like French to me. Either way it has a nice Arabic like rhythm and strings.

“Trail of Lies”, a cool melodic joint that is reminiscent of Brother Ali’s tracks. This made my list of best of joints of 2008.

“Seance Of Shamans” ft Outerspace & Doap Nixon, is another fast paced high energy track that stands out on this release.

“God Flesh” ft Block Mccloud & King Magnetic is another high enrgy joint that made my list of top tunes of 2008 as well. The track is very reminiscent of Wu Tang’s sound.

DJ Kwestion laying down the sonic flare on the chorus on “Heavy Artillery” is incredible as well.

Jedi Mind Tricks ’s History Of Violence (in stores on November 11th) is a solid album worth your loot. If you like you Hip Hop hardcore and you’re into Wu Tang Clan, Soul Assassins, Psycho Realm, La Coka Nostra than you’ ll love this album and JMT.

BUY THE ALBUM

 

 Trail Of Lies - Jedi Mind Tricks [4:27m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Deathbed Doctrine - Jedi Mind Tricks [4:24m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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