Concerned
Citizen
By
TJ Chill
Concerned Citizen is the new album by TJ Chill (KAOS Crew),
it is his third studio album and the follow up to 2021’s Changing The
Narrative. This album is also the second of the ‘Changing The Narrative’
trilogy and was originally released back at the end of October.
As a former member of the KAOS Crew (1985-1999), TJ Chill is
no stranger to the scene. Standing true to who he is, TJ Chill weaves inspirations
of faith, London heritage, West Indian culture, storytelling, fun and games
into the project alongside some great Hip Hop production by K9, Self-Taught
Beats, 6th Floor, Mr Synback, Smooflow from FERO Media, DJ Murzi and
Rich Mitch. There is also an appearance or two from one Jabbathakut, doing his
thing too.
So, this promises to be a banger of an album and if you have
not heard this one already then join me for the ride as I give you my
impressions on this Ten track album that is released through Black Pyramid
Records.
We kick off with Funky Church Time, produced by TJ
Chill himself, this is live funky drum solo sound that is the backdrop to an
intro that is like a proper gospel preacher dropping some knowledge before the
album kicks off for real with Rooster-Man; Produced my Rich Mitch this
track has keys, bass and drums which combine to big a reggae flavour to the
sound, that has a real infectious vibe. Listening intently to this one there
really seemed to be a nod to the roots of culture here and just the Jamaican
roots but, Also the roots of the UK Hip Hop scene too as TJ shouts out some of
the big names from the UK scene. Next is Lifting, produced by K9, the
keys and drums combine once more, with some strings and horns, on what is a
more head nod sound. Elements of his faith come through here as TJ uses
intricate wordplay to bring us, not only, what is lifting him up but, also in
bringing that forward in the track, it also serves to uplift the listener.
There is no preaching here, just a desire to bring a focus to what can take you
to a higher level of understanding and living.
Street School is produced by 6th Floor and
brings a slightly darker edge to the sound. Once more the main elements are
drums, keys, and bass, which produce a more serious air to the sound. TJ looks
at the harsh reality of a life where the streets are the school corridors and
there is no playground. His cleaver wordplay creates stark visions of a hard
life, where calling on a higher power is the only way to find the peace of
sleep. Next up is Let It Be, produced by Self-Taught Beats, brings an
upbeat sound with drums, keys, bells, and horns, which seems to reflect the sun
breaking through the clouds on dull day. This is a big tune that brings
encouragement to keep pushing forward in all you do and keeping a positive
focus; there is also a knowing within this one that it is peace, love and unity
that will win the day and when that day comes, we just need to let it be. As we
see-saw into the second have of the album Smooflow brings the production on Screaming
At The TV, the drums and bass with sampled vocals sounds brings an almost
juxtaposed sound that one hand seems more chilled but, also has element that
feels like it is brewing in the background ready to explode. Here we find TJ
looking at something that so many people do, far too often, getting lost and
enraged by the constant bombardment of negative media coverage. Every night
people watch the TV screens with the news and its negative coverage of world
events, reality TV that seems to breed so much negativity and confrontation and
even sporting events seem to have a more negative impact; so, people sit and
soak up this stuff screaming at what they see as wrong and never even
considering they might be being controlled.
Don’t Forget What The Good Book Said sees TJ Chill
back on the production with a funk fuelled vibe full of drums, keys and bass,
alongside some vocal samples bringing a soulful element. The uplifting air of
this track is immediately apparent, and it fuels the positive energy throughout
your body as you listen. There is a real feel that this track sees TJ speaking
on living with integrity and always being truthful in all you do. Shine a light
on truth behind everything you see because this is how we need to live and not
spinning or hiding things for our own ends. Let your light shine because when
you do, no one can extinguish that flame. Graft is produced by Mr
Synback and has a big boom bap feel with pounding beats, cuts, and an eerie
synth sound, all mixed together it brings an adrenaline fuelling sound with a
slightly dark edge. This one is all about working hard and playing hard to get
where you want to be in life. If you don’t put the work in, don’t expect the
results to be what you want. This goes for all aspects of your life, work at it
and see it come to fruition. The penultimate track of the album is Come What
May, produced by Rich Mitch and TJ Chill, there is heavy beat and cuts,
that mixes with a reggae sound that gives this one a slightly light-hearted
flow and makes you wanna move. TJ Chill is in full story-telling mode here as
he spins tales of people creating good, fun times; the kind of memories that
you can look back on and that bring back those experiences as life goes on,
bringing a warm heart and warm smile.
The album ends with an extended track that clocks in at just
over eight and a half minutes. Roxanne Roxanne Vs Sparky Lovebug is
produced by DJ Murzi and see’s TJ Chill drop in battle mode but, just for fun.
The heavy beat and cuts, allows your mind to drift back to the early days of
Hip Hop and those emcee battles like Roxanne Roxanne and The Real Roxanne. This
is some classic emcee rhyming that minds you what Hip Hop is all about in its
50th years. Once TJ is finished having some fun, the beats keep you
rocking so he can drop more shoutout’s than you can shake a stick at, what a
classic way end the album on…
First up, lets give credit where credit is due, TJ Chill
shows that regardless of flow, style, or subject matter, he has the ability to
apply an intricate wordplay with knowledge, skill and authenticity that brings
all his life’s experiences to bear. He is one of those rap artists that has the
ability to speak on current events, in story mode or simply for fun and have
everything he says seemingly seep into you consciousness without even realising
it, and Concerned Citizen brings a rollercoaster of different subjects
into your awareness; subjects that are everyday things, some of which you might
not give a second thought to but, they are there none the less and TJ Chill
brings them into the open giving you a chance to actually think and question
the world around you.
Concerned Citizen also uses a wealth of production talent to
bring a wealth of Hip Hop and Reggae infused sounds that are the perfect stage
for TJ’s vocals, they also complement each other as well. As diverse as the
producers are in their styles, with the roots of the music in Hip Hop, there is
nothing out of place here, nothing that upsets the flow of the album; and more
of that classic Hip Hop vibe comes in the form of Jabbathakut who brings that
incredible turntable trickery that makes him one of the UKs finest.
Overall, sometimes less is more and I don’t need to over do
the words here because the music speaks for itself. Concerned Citizen is a
solid Hip Hop album with little twists and turns that keeps it fresh and
engaging throughout its forty plus minute runtime. It is an enjoyable album
with a good balance of real-life subject matter, story based and just for fun
styles.
If you enjoy this one, then you will be waiting in
anticipation for the third in the trilogy and playing catch up if you’ve not
heard the first.
My thanks to 4Dee for putting my name out there and to TJ
Chill for giving me the chance to put his album under my microscope.
I’m out,
See Ya.
Steve.
LINKS
Stream on Spotify Here:
https://open.spotify.com/album/36OvCfJWn1fV5RCqy0Fgk1
Concerned Citizen YouTube Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mlr6DlcQ89iFMdtcbN5X505ElI7INA7SQ
TJ Chill on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/tj.chill.35
TJ Chill Mixcloud:
https://www.mixcloud.com/TJ_Chill/
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