J-Live is a rapper that I always enjoy listening to. His style has very little fanfare. In the case of Around The Sun the album cover is simply a photo of his face. It was released in April this year but I only recently heard about it when he released a video for Not Listening.  The album is what you would expect from a J-Live album. Classic boom bap beats and conscious lyrics.

With production by J-Live himself and among others two of my favourite Oddisee and DJ Numark this album is packed with classic timeless beats. In a technical sense the raps are nothing special but lyrically J-Live always has something to say.  He raps with a consistent flow and his lyrics are easily understood.

If you like J-Live’s previous releases than you will like this album. There is not really anything new happening here. Its a natural progression that provides a clean polished version of what we have heard in the past.