Oakland-born, Tracy CA-raised rapper/songwriter Demetrie Jones unveils his new project Turmoil in Tulsa, a 5 track compilation that explores the history of the Tulsa massacre, the aftermath and the social-political impact in the modern time’s lens.

The first track “The Rise!” sets the tone with various clippings about Tulsa, the people and the tragic incident that culminated in the destruction of the ton. The stories are harrowing and heart-wrenching but help bring the history into perspective for new listeners. The production has a solemn and melancholic feel that fits the insightful and reflective bars from Demetrie Jones. Lines like  “deep like ASCAP,accountability, lack that/Just another marty to a flame/ derivative from losses from the awkward from the strange/So called prophets, they profiting from your pain” underscore the modern-day struggle of black folks. This is followed by “Crash Out,” a thoughtful piece that explores the “Nigga moment” concept popularized by the classic Boondocks show. Here, Demetrie Jones delivers a fiery performance ripe with scathing and thought-provoking bars on keeping one’s wits and controlling emotions. He doesn’t mince his words and clearly states his stance on the matter while reminding us of his flaws and the process of becoming a better man. On the hard-hitting “Personafied,” featuring Afta,  the rappers throw caution to the wind and stand on business for all the detractors and naysayers. Afta set the tone with no-holds-bars like “Tyrna test me and find that I’m all of the above/ Bunch of nosy niggaz,I should keep a snub/apply pressure till they offer me apologies and love” followed by Jones’ equally bravado performance.

The project continues with a couple of topical tracks brimming with soulful and cinematic soundscapes and engaging raps. “Devils in the details,” features Lonnie Oceans and sees him and Jones in their element. They trade fiery verses that explore the duality of life, the streets and the players that move within it. The final track “Signals” brings together his seed Ma’at Shyree and producer Crispy Akiyama and together they deliver a reflective and somewhat bittersweet piece. Demetrie Jones brings his A-game here and gives audiences profound bars like “In order to see the real, you have to experience the fake/someone lied to me when they said the soul was simple/Trials and tribulations, I need to just know the signals/two of my best friends, betrayed me ‘cause they was hurting/Lot of love that I gave, guess they didn’t deserve it.” The track serves as the rapper’s call to action in making the right life decisions, getting rid of anchors weighing him down and finding inner peace.

In the end, Turmoil in Tulsa, is a brilliant effort that showcases Demetrie Jones’ creativity as an artist. His word play, stroy telling and concepts are refreshing and  engaging.