JMAC the Dragon - Dragon Tales (Album)
I hope y’all got your dragon scale ready for “Dragon Tales”, dragon tales, let’s all go to Dragon land with JMAC on his most polished effort to date. Liam Beats is handling all the production here & while there are records here that’ll satiate longtime fans of the dragon, there’s also a few curveballs musically, showing that JMAC isn’t just willing to be pigeonholed into one style, he can still do his usual lyrical flexercises but in a more accessible way musically. Instantly going full on Smaug on the opener, JMAC kicks things off in typical fiery fashion, absolutely scathing as he burns this beat down, each line like a bridge, each now ash as he separates himself from his so called competitors. They just not famished enough for his taste whenever it’s “Time To Eat”, they’d rather starve then sit next to him, out of fear cause they know they’ll never swipe a crumb off his plate, Wes or Keith’s either, who both swallow this beat whole like they haven’t had a decent meal in ages. The production on this number is daunting as ever & JMAC’s infectious hook really gives the track a moment to breathe from the onslaught.
Fresh out the cryogenic chamber on “Cold”, the Dragon is through with the humility & through with demanding his respect, he’s just coming back to take what’s rightfully his. Key Latrice is along for the mission to take out anyone else who may try to interfere with them executing their plans. You know if anyone is rapping alongside the Dragon, they about to bring their A-Game, JMAC just don’t associate himself with the weak willed. If you’re not skilled, you’re getting consumed with the quickness. Key absolutely steals the show on this number with a monstrous verse that really adds to the eerily portentous nature of the record. You know he always gotta “Do The Most”, anyone who really is about the craft, you bet your ass is gonna show off how good they can do it. As long as we got MC’s like him, there’s always gonna be a place for the lyrical exercise, it’s always a tour de force of masterclass lyricism when it’s coming from the Dragon.
“Blunt” is one of those curveballs musically. JMAC doing a weed song? It’s not necessarily a weed song, more like a song revolving around taking the time to decompress, even the Dragon gotta get in his rest & relaxation from leaving everything in ashes. It’s the most subtle we’ve ever heard JMAC & still he’s blowing smoke in the faces of his competitors. The man literally can’t help it so I’m glad he chills out once the hook comes in & then allows DAN DiGi to steal the show with an impressively witty verse, the syllables in his verse are mind boggling, I need whatever he’s toking on cause man he so subtly kills this record. Love that JMAC is allowing these other artists to shine as well. You can tell he’s really feeding off of their energy & matching it whilst being himself.
The standout hit on this album right here, like this record really needs to get some more push. I never knew JMAC would be the artist to pull my heartstrings. I don’t come to him expecting earnest music like this, I’m expecting lyrical onslaughts so it’s very much appreciated hearing this other side of him. It’s a beautiful coming of age record that is oh so sweet in all it’s glorious nostalgia. Personally had me thinking about love lost, those that got away, there’s a certain sadness to it & it’s the keys in the background that really add to that. Hello Desperado’s contribution to this track strikes all the right chords, so much emotion throughout his vocal performance here. A super unexpected but welcoming collaboration. As sad as it is, records like this make me feel a little better about the concept of letting people go, as much as you may still be pining for that connection. Despite life’a experiences, the Dragon is still living his life like it’s golden, he still has that “Midas Touch” when it comes to this “Rap Shit” & with his dare I say, magnum opus here, he’s definitely immortalizing himself through his art.