Redemption - Jay Rock track by track review
(rts appreciated)

The Bloodiest: In the album’s opener, Jay Rock suitably details his come-up story from his life in the streets before making it in the rap game. The song’s title could allude to the bloodshed in the streets on his part and also at his expense as well as his ties to being a Bounty

For What It’s Worth: An introspective and self-conscious Jay Rock explores a common, often nuanced, existential question of life; “Is it worth it?”. Jay Rock muses over personal concerns such as identity, alcohol abuse, murder, money, incarceration and women of ill intent.

Knock It Off: Jay Rock starts “Knock It Off” by thanking God for his blessings in life. In February 2016, Top Dawg CEO, Anthony Tiffith, explained in a tweet that Jay had a very bad accident on his motorcycle, he attributed his healthy recovery to his faith in God

ES Tales: The fourth track on Redemption, gives us a deeper look into everyday life in the projects. Jay Rock is from the Nickerson Gardens projects in Watts. The “ES” in the title refers to Eastside Los Angeles, home to the Nickerson Gardens projects that Jay Rock grew up in.

Rotation 112th: On “Rotation 112th,” Jay Rock recalls the street lifestyle that he has experienced in his hometown, on 112th street, Watts, California. Over an energetic production handled by TDE affiliate Baby Keem, Jay depicts his daily routine, which is marked by illegal acts.

Tap Out: Tap out is the first collaboration between Jeremih and Jay Rock. This song is a braggadocious sex filled song boasting about their sexual intercourses. It talks about the life of being a celebrity and living a flashy life. Like being able to get all the cars and girls.

OSOM: The theme of paranoia and being “Out of Sight and Out of Mind” (OSOM) is a recurring one. Underlying themes include the conflict of day-to-day survival, financial struggle, self-medication, and the kill-or-be-killed mentality of the ghetto.

Troopers: The track is characterized by top notch production from CuBeatz & Cardo, which is audible by the producers' distinctive sounds – the characteristic “crooked” sound of the melody (CuBeatz) and characteristic snare (Cardo).

Throughout the track, Jay Rock manifests many various flows and styles of rapping/singing which as a consequence make the track exceptional and differentiated and coincides perfectly with unusual production. The main topic of the composition are title Troopers, which are

most likely street accomplices compared here to soldiers, mainly because of their duty, loyalty and persistence, as mentioned by Jay Rock. Troopers may also refer to the Star Wars soldiers, which also in fact were obedient and loyal, but it is not confirmed in the lyrics.

Broke +-: Jay Rock references the quote that is often incorrectly attributed to Tubman (no one ever actually said it) that she could have freed more slaves if they had the historical perspective we have now to be able to see the system of oppression that kept them in chains.

Wow Freestyle: “Wow Freestyle” is a braggadocious collaboration between Jay Rock and his TDE labelmate Kendrick Lamar. The production displays the incredible synergy the two California natives have, going back to back on the third verse.

Redemption: Jay Rock reflects upon the trials and tribulations that occurred before and after his near fatal motorcycle crash in 2016. Contributions from label mates SZA and Kendrick Lamar provide a soulful backing for Rock’s uplifting and introspective commentary.

WIN: In this braggy (again) song, Rock stakes his claim as a true “winner” in the rap game. The track features uncredited vocals and ad-libs from TDE-labelmate Kendrick Lamar, as well as some catchy trumpet samples that highlight themes of victory and success.

Shit real: This marks the first collaboration between Tee Grizzley and Top Dawg Ent, Jay Rock. An ode to the tribulations of poverty, with a nod of respect to their gang affiliations, echoes a chilling story with a boastful DJ Swish production.

The Other Side: “The Other Side” carries a whole other vibe in comparison to other Redemption songs, strongly influenced by the West Coast groove and G-Funk. The track was produced by diamond producer Cardo, which is known not only for producing heavy trap bangers.

if you guys made it this far thank you <3