DJ JS-1, the devoted Boom bap producer and scratch aficionado, unveils his sixth full length LP, It Is What It Isn’t, which is now available through his Ground Original imprint.
The 21 track collection, includes guest appearances from several of the game’s veteran forces, such as, KRS-One, O.C, Ras Kass, The Artifacts, Buckshot, Ill Bill, and Erick Sermon, among others, to a slew of noteworthy newcomers, like Homeboy Sandman, Fashawn, Torae and Kyle Rapps, to name a few.
Titled in counterstrike to the wave of new artists that use social media to falsely portray themselves, JS-1, who has built a worldwide fan base by touring the world and showcasing his talents for nearly two decades, is here to prove that there is no substitute when it comes to truly paying your dues. “It seems it’s all about what people think you’ve done, rather than what you’ve truly done,” states JS-1.
While some people dabble in music, or approach the craft as an ends to a means, JS-1 is a dedicated student, that’s devoted his entire being to the art form. To boot, the Queens-based talent has a history of wearing many hats when it comes to his passion for the culture.
As a member of the Rocksteady Crew, tour deejay for Rahzel, producer, and graffiti artist (under the moniker, Jerms), JS-1 doesn’t need an introduction of Hip-Hop’s past, as he’s been in the front row to see it all unfold. His countless years behind the scenes have elevated his status from learner, to a seasoned beatsmith, and master turntablist, who has collaborated with many of the genre’s most influential forces, from the likes of Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Masta Ace, Kool G Rap, and Common, for example.
JS-1 has been meticulous with the track arrangement and themes on It Is What It Isn’t, making sure that the project comes through sounding like a uniform body of work, that continuously drives homes the album’s ‘is what it isn’t” mantra. The LP’s lead single “Turn the Tables,” finds the legendary DITC wordsmith, O.C., aligning with JS-1 as they take things back to a time where your credibility on the wheels and the m.i.c. was everything. The album’s title track finds Blastacan, Illa Ghee, and Trez taking jabs on the studio gangsters of our time, while the syllable dominant rhymes of KRS-One and Torae on “Klick Clique,” borrows on traditional Hip-Hop hyperbole.
With 21 tracks to enjoy, Hip-Hop fans spanning several generations will find something that will gravitate them towards It Is What It Isn’t. Whether it be one of their favorite rappers dropping a spellbinding 16, or the one-two punch of JS-1’s aggressive production/scratch technique. It Is What It Isn’t is now available on CD and vinyl through select brick and mortar stores and online sites, as well as digital download, through all major digital retailers.
Tracklist:
01. Turn the Tables (feat. O.C.)
02. It Is What It Isn’t (feat. Blacastan, Illa Ghee &Trez)
03. 110 Percent (feat. Breez Brewin, Homeboy Sandman & Kyle Rapps)
04. Give A Damn (feat. Dynasty, Eternia & Sara Kana)
05. Forgotten (feat. Spit Gemz, Wes & Nutso)
06. Pay Attention (feat. Soul Khan)
07. Interference (feat. Esoteric & Ras Kass)
08. Letchuknow (feat. Strick & Eklips)
09. Whatever It Takes (feat Murs & Fashawn)
10. Higher Level (feat. Brother J & Professor X)
11. DieHard (feat. Erick Sermon, Rahzel & Buckshot)
12. Klick Clique (feat. KRS-One & Torae)
13. Groom Lake (feat. C Rayz Walz)
14. Show Shockin’ (feat. El Da Sensei, Tame One & Reef the Lost Cauze)
15. Infinite (feat. Ruste Juxx & Sav Killz)
16. Profreshionals (feat. Ill Bill & Slaine)
17. Love Me Not (feat. Kurious, Craig G & Smooth B)
18. My Neighborhood (feat. Pack FM)
19. Soo Real (feat. Rasheed Chappell & Wordsworth)
20. Sample Abuser (feat. AG, Sadat X & Neek the Exotic)
21. STCAF (feat. Lordroc, Eternal, Melo Malo, Lifelong, Truth & Cerebral)
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