I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU (DIRECTORS CUT)
What the hip-hop hell is this?
JPEGMAFIA is otherworldly for real!
For context this is a deluxe, or what JPEG labeled it as a “Directors Cut” for the I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU album he released and toured last year. In this edition, he adds to the past songs while sequencing them in a new order with new songs making it sound even more outlandish than before. I was expecting just a few songs when he announced a director's cut. But JPEG decided to take everything from the previous version and expand it to the fullest leaving me gobsmacked.
Disc 1 featured so many bodacious songs. He has many stand-out songs. “PROTECT THE CROSS” where he brings his rock and ego element to the max. On “Jordan Rules” he had a few things to get off his chest and did so in such a chaotic manner, I loved it. “CULT STATUS” Is a distorted anthem. “Boy you should know!” is my favorite song due to its sample use of Ciara’s “Body Party” which makes it sound nostalgic. He ends the album with “ALLAH” where he talks about praying and views on how other rappers may fake their religion. Ironically he samples Lil Durk’s “Pelle Coat” to end off the track where he is singing a heartfelt line “Get on my knees, I pray to Allah”.
“ALLAH” then instantly transitions into disc 2 starting with “What the hip hop hell is this?” where he discusses how rappers base their careers on awards and how it's not a focus he has. This is why I believe he used that title to refer to how believing in his creativity allows him to craft zonker music. Which beautifully transitions into “Come and Get Me” where he calls out to everyone to challenge his musical abilities.
JPEGMAFIA decided to prove to everyone that he is HIM through his amazing production and creativity. This new edition will be in my rotation for a long time and might even feature on my wrapped at the end of the year. If you have not yet checked out JPEG, you should probably consider it. Within time people will realize he is everyone's favorite artist crafted in one.