Jerré – ‘Workin’ Hands’ [Album Review]

The project starts with “Patience (The Waiting),” a laidback reflective track with soulful elements. The drums are sparse and sturdy and create a perfect balance against Jerré’s smooth flow and insightful thoughts. “Word to my pops/its apparent that I have his genetic code /Waking up at Seven -oh/Early bid special flow/Know my purpose and won’t let it go/Learned discernment when I head for my goals/Go hard ‘fore I start heading home” underpin Jerré’s thought process.  “Hands Down” starts with a plucky bass guitar and smooth drum grooves with chopped horn passes and soft tones. Here, Jerré effortlessly carries the track with precision and confidence. Here, we get to hear raw, unfiltered lyricism that is also profound. Hands’ use of vocal scratching on the hook is also dope and gives it that classic 90s hip-hop touch. The third track, “Catch Me Rollin'” has a breezy summertime vibe and finds the rapper in his element as he takes us on a ride through his stomping grounds. Armed with his commanding flow and expressive songwriting, he paints vivid pictures of life and the colourful characters who make things go round. “Plush” has a retro jazz and atmospheric vibe with its sparkling keys, layered chords and snapping drum grooves. Jerré steps into the forefront with his descriptive style of rapping, and once again, he ushers us into his borough of Queens and shows us the inner workings of the mind of a go-getter. This is followed by “Snap!,” another reflective piece that digs deep into Jerré’s world. Over a laidback lofi jazz backdrop, he references his favourite things while snapping on the opposition.

The project continues in the same lane, in terms of musicality and lyricism. Hands uses soul, funk and retro scenic samples to carve out the aural motifs around Jerré’s storytelling and laidback conversational style. This is prominent on “Bread,” which finds the rapper in aspiration mode. Bars like “Cowboy due in high noon, I’m ready to shoot/directing and producing like Mario Van Peeble/ Jack City sequel/Splash minis like the roses in front of your shorty/Y’all niggaz corny, I rap gritty and coarsely” underscore his off-kilter style. “Selfish” focuses on the concept of self-serving and shows a different side to the rapper who delivers his bars with such sincerity and confidence.  “Heavy Handed” highlights the life of the everyday man trying to find his footing in a crazy world, while the final track “Workin’ Hands” brings it all to a close with Jerré reflecting on the power of hard work and planting seeds and reaping the benefits. There is quite a lot to unpack here, but he leaves us with a pretty solid gem as follows

“Even pawns can leave kings defeated, it’s all about positioning/Fluidity best moves against rigidness/Everything’s expensive, learn to free-think”

Jerré and Hands’ pairing is a match made in heaven. Both parties equally bring something unique to the table, from Hands’ cinematic and soul-stirring backdrops to Jerré’s vivid lyricism. Other notable tracks include the single “wavy,” “Poppin'” and “Trail Blazer.”  “Wavy” is a feel-good and relaxing piece that focuses on self-appraisal and lyrical dexterity. “Poppin'” has a cinematic soul feel comprising vocal samples and funky guitar licks, while “Trail Blazer” evokes urgency with the rapper in the lyrical driving seat.

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