D|REVIEWS - JONNIE MORRIS "It's All Beautiful and All Good"

I'll cut straight to the point - this has been my favorite year for hip hop since the late 90's/early 00's. No matter what your preference we've had an abnormal amount of quality releases from legends & rookies alike deep within every corner of hip hop stylistically. Almost every release Friday this year has given me something worth listening to on repeat. October 5th has proved no different & this very record I'm about to discuss with you is yet another fine example of the brilliance that is 2018 not only nationally but especially in our very own city. Detroit is a melting pot of talented lyricists & I've known it to be that way since my early adolescence tuning into Almighty Dreadnaughtz, Raw Collection, Early Eminem, & J Dilla. Now I know I'm setting the ante high but with this short yet poignant offering via Detroit's own Jonnie Morris dropping today I've been given yet another reminder of why I live for this Detroit rap ish! Here's a breakdown of the six record EP "It's All Beautiful and All Good".01. Living In Hell: "I've done worked all my life, you just work hard to die..." sings Jonnie Morris as we're introduced to his raspy voice that articulates lifes struggles all well sprinkling in optimism so effortlessly. "Living In Hell" is a song that touches on darkness but through effective storytelling is also able to paint a picture of hope amongst the hellish happenings of life. The hook/chorus gets trapped in your head & the replay value of this entire record wastes no time giving you it's opening track, a song that already feels metaphorically tied to the albums title.02. The Road: In a way this six song effort comes across as quite the battle with life's demons. "The Road" begs the question of where you'll go once you've left the streets. A coming of age tale where maturity & growth isn't a walk in the park but a long road with much journey ahead & Jonnie Morris gives an introspective approach of that journey with his knack for providing vivid imagery well delivering it as if it were tied to the instrumental.03. Progression: Here on "Progression" we get a more abrasive delivery in a more braggadocios package of statements that has Morris claiming he is the best around & that he got approval from Detroit legends without asking. It becomes apparent why approval wouldn't need asking with this hard hitting lyrical serving that comes off as an intelligent banger only solidify the facts Jonnie Morris lays out for listeners.04. A Billion: Morris starts off with a somewhat choppy flow over the infectious beat before speeding things up pre-hook on "A Billion". "Watch the money start to add up".... he whispers before carrying on into his second verse that speaks on everything from words via his uncle to the political climate we're stuck inside. One of the things I admire most about this entire project & the talent that Jonnie Morris provides himself is his ability to mash substance & lyricism into a package that still proves catchy. I feel like I'm listening to an early version of Kendrick Lamar who is just prepping our ears for a massive career ahead.05. Made It Out The Trap: JUMP JUMP JUMP....."We Made It Out The Trap" echoes my previous statements & details the results of hard work paid off. "Losing way too much to quit" yet displaying the throws of hard work & all it leads to all well providing lyrical commentary on the "system". It plays a celebratory record still packed with substance inside.06. Honor Roll:  In closing, & with closing this record we shift back to a more somber sound that has the signature storytelling that Jonnie Morris establishes for himself throughout IABAAG. The "believe in me" bit that adorns the hook/chorus of the record gives me some "College Dropout" vibes from a production standpoint. In "Honor Roll" we get a political stance & commentary that I can only agree with as he eloquently states his reasoning. He does a great job of getting his point off in a lyrical & relatable way. The EP closes out on this serious note, but in closing I was immediately back to track one for a full replay."It's All Beautiful and All Good" is a short, effective, & replay worthy introduction into Detroit's Jonnie Morris. I truly enjoyed all six records, & had a hard time finding any shortcomings other that wanting more music to listen to after finishing. I haven't cemented out my top ten list for this jam packed year of releases yet but this EP is definitely a contender for one of those spots in my eyes. It's snatched a permanent spot on my playlist for the remainder of the year & I strongly encourage giving it listen if you haven't already. - COMMI$$ION

ALBUM RATING: 9/10