KJ-52 has spent much of his career playing with the assumption that faith and hip-hop make an unusual pair. On his new album, Mental, the veteran rapper turns that tension into the central idea.
The nine-track project explores hope and conviction in a culture that often feels disoriented. KJ-52, whose real name is Jonah Sorrentino, said the title works in two directions.
Belief can look irrational to outsiders. At the same time, much of what society accepts as normal can look irrational on its own.
“People who want to adhere to a biblical worldview are looked at as crazy, out of touch, intolerant,” KJ-52 said. “But what we’re trying to say is that there’s hope to hold onto when the world feels like it is going nuts.”
Mental follows 2012’s Dangerous and finds KJ-52 pushing at the edges of his sound. The album moves between aggressive rap, electronic production, reggae touches and oversized sports-arena energy.
KJ-52 Gets His “Gameface” On
“Gameface” features KB and Soul Glo Activatur. The song borrows the language of locker-room speeches and competition.
KJ-52 uses that imagery to describe resisting temptation, enduring setbacks and staying active in one’s faith.
“I love sports and that speech coaches give about going into battle and getting your game face on,” KJ-52 said. “If you don’t get your game face on in this life, then you’re going to get run over.”
The title track features Tedashii and Soul Glo Activatur. Its production moves with about as much stability as the word “mental” implies.
Pitch changes, arcade-like sounds and a restless beat follow KJ-52 as he argues that cultural confusion does not require personal surrender.
Meanwhile, “Tonight” takes another turn. Instead of relying entirely on rap, KJ-52 sings over an electronic dance track about leaving old patterns behind.
“One definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results,” he said. “It’s been cool with Mental, and especially ‘Tonight,’ to try something unexpected and get the attention of people who may not have heard me before.”
“Mental” Makes Room for the Misfits
Elsewhere, “Fresh Kicks On” uses sneaker culture as a metaphor for starting over. “Island of the Misfit Toys,” featuring Social Club and SPZRKT, focuses on listeners who feel pushed outside familiar categories.
The song reaches out to skaters, emos, gay kids, outsiders and others who know what it feels like to be treated like a defective item in somebody else’s toy box.
That inclusiveness is one of the more interesting parts of Mental. KJ-52 remains direct about his beliefs, but the album reaches beyond people who already agree with him.
Its larger concern is identity, relief and belonging in a culture with no shortage of temporary answers.
The project also brings in several familiar voices from hip-hop. “Fight Music (I Don’t Do Black or White Music)” features Lecrae and Propaganda.
The second-half edition of “Gameface” adds Flame. King Kulture previously looked at Propaganda’s approach to faith, culture and hip-hop on his album Crimson Cord.
A World Record Before “Mental”
KJ-52 entered 2014 with another unusual credential. In January, he and a team of rappers completed a 12-hour, two-minute freestyle session in Tampa, Florida.
Guinness World Records recognized the performance as the longest freestyle rap by a team.
Apparently, running out of words has never been the primary concern.
Mental will be released Oct. 21.