It Was All A Dream for JBadge
JBadge is gearing up to drop his first major solo project called Chapter 4, continuing his mixtape series that included the projects: TrNch Jackson, Jade, and 2 Sides 1 Story. While the previous projects were released exclusively on YouTube and SoundCloud, Chapter 4 will be distributed to all streaming platforms. This post will be highlighting his first single from the album, All A Dream. With this release he is the most ambitious that I’ve ever heard from him. Where it is ambitious is in the sample and, or interpolation. It is a west coast sounding version of The Notorious B.I.G.'s Juicy, you know, the classic that starts with “It was all a dream, I used to read word up magazine.” While it is ambitious because the song is a classic, it is also a smart move, because as soon as you turn the song on, you can’t help but feel reminiscent, whether it be from being outside at the time, or from your parents playing it in the house. With that being said, it will also attract older listeners, so every generation can enjoy All A Dream at the cookout.
As mentioned earlier, the song is a Cali/West Coast version of Juicy, and the differences exist in the cadences and slight variations in production. Of course, JBadge brings his signature Cali sound, matching the quality of the original with his delivery, cadence, and lyrics. Instead of speaking about old times like B.I.G. did, JBadge focuses on his present and future, highlighting the reality that his community goes through on a daily basis and how the industry exploits that reality to make money. The positive message stood out most to me from his verse, and another difference between this song and the original.
The hook is the same from Juicy, but with a more soulful and full sounding delivery. Performed by Cameryn Kelly, the chorus is more dynamic and is stacked ear pleasing harmonies by the songstress. She also adds her own flavor with her runs, showing off her voice in a way that makes the song feel bigger. Not to be outdone, Nef The Pharaoh brings his own identity to the song with his verse. His flow is different than JBadge’s, but I would assume he’s also from the West Coast, because while his sound is different, he still exudes that Cali energy. Both lyricists capitalize on the swaggy lyrical rap in which the West is best known.
Definitely follow JBadge, Cameryn Kelly, and Nef The Pharaoh on Spotify and Instagram, and make sure to look out for JBadge’s upcoming singles from his debut album Chapter 4.
