Common Sense by J Hus
No MC represents the versatility of UK rap better than Momodou Jallow. On his debut album, the East Londoner soars with a warmth of spirit and character that floods all 17 tracks. With pristine, sparkling production—from JAE5, Steel Banglez, TSB—The Hustla pushes further on sounds explored on 2017 mixtape <i>The 15th Day</i>, oozing charismatic flows and inventive sing-song hooks that energise the broad swings in mood and tone. In 2015, J Hus was attacked in London and hospitalised. <i>Common Sense</i> proved a uniquely extravagant way of turning that tragedy into triumph. As such, the ebbs and flows also reach to the PTSD-related effects of this: “On a one-way to an early grave/Recline my seat back anyway/Forgot to plan my getaway” (on “Clartin”). Still, J Hus takes a swift two-step forward fuelled by virtues of “loyalty and honour” on the uplifting “Spirit”: “They can bun my flesh, but they can’t touch my spirit.” In a single listen, his influences are easily detectable. From the title track’s sax-topped G-funk, to the smooth Afroswing flurry (of “Fisherman”) J Hus’ many faces manifest in fine voice.
