7th Avenue

Description

7th Avenue is the debut album by the American hip-hop artist KJ-52 (KJ52 representing Sons of Intellect, a.k.a. Jonah Sorrentino), released on Essential Records in 2000, a division of Brentwood Music, distributed by Provident Music Distribution. The album was recorded by F. Reid Shippen, Todd Collins, and Wayne Kohl at Chill Factor Studios in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; at Club Music Studios in Riverview and Wack Emcee Studios in Cape Coral, Florida; at House of Insomnia and Crib Studios in Nashville, Tennessee; with Todd Collins producing for Beatmart Productions.

The album was largely recorded in 1998, shopped to labels in 1999 and finally released in early 2000. It notably contains little to no pop influence, instead favoring underground and old school hip hop. In 2004, 7th Avenue was re-released by Essential after seeing the success of KJ’s second release, Collaborations. The 2004 edition quickly sold 50,000 additional units and became a cult classic amongst fans. The re-release contained bonus tracks

KJ-52, a.k.a. Jonah Sorrentino, brings together an impressive cast of supporting characters for his debut record on Essential Records. Produced by Gotee Brothers‘ Todd Collins, guest appearances include rap talents Knowdaverbs, Deuce and Phanatik from Cross Movement, Bonafide of GRITS, and Amani. The result is an arresting, commanding experience in urban hip hop music. Mostly East Coast style, this Florida native sounds a bit like Eminem, but lifts up the Lord in his rhymes and even gives an altar call at the CD’s end.

To get attention, Sorrentino has taken the liberty to write some new lyrics for DC Talk’s song «The Hardway», and recorded it with a bouncy jam, hoping for radio play. Unfortunately this isn’t the best cut on the joint. I like the harder cuts like «Do What I Do», «We Rock the Mic», and «It’s The S.O.I», with guests Phanatik and Deuce. «Integrity» is a humorous track KJ-52 does with Bonafide. It looks at an interchange between a prideful rapper (played by KJ-52) who comes up against an established one (Bonafide) who answers the boasts of the newcomer by riffing on the need for Christ to be in control of every part of your rhyming.

7th Avenue is the name of the street in a Tampa area ghetto that KJ-52 grew up on and now it is the name of his first record. KJ-52, his label, and fan’s of Christian hip hop are hoping that his music gets heard on all the streets that he desires to reach with the gospel. [Tony LaFianza, The Phantom Tollbooth, 4/9/2000]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/7th-avenue/401085851)

CD tracklist:

01. The Greatest M.C. (Intro) – 1:02
02. 1, 2, 3 – 4:02
03. Keep It Moving – 4:19
04. The Hardway – 4:00 – 3:54
05. Keep Ya Head Up – 3:54
06. Melvin’s Not Here (Skit) – 0:34
07. Do What I Do – 5:13
08. The Greatest M.C. (Continued) – 2:02
09. We Rock The Mic – 4:13
10. Cipha All Stars – 2:40
11. It’s The S.O.I. (Sons Of Intellect Anthem) – 5:22
12. Mickey Cakes (Skit) – 2:14
13. Integrity – 3:47
14. This Is Love – 3:32
15. They Know Not – 3:41
16.1 The Greatest M.C. (Outro) – 1:50
16.2 No Audio – 2:00
16.3 Untitled – 3:10

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Essential Records. Track 16 contains a hidden track. “The Greatest M.C. (Outro)” ends at 1:50. The hidden track starts after 2:00 of silence at 3:50.

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