Jeru the Damaja - The Sun Rises in the East

When a Rastafarian MC stole the show on Gang Starr's posse cut "I'm the Man" (from their Daily Operation LP), rap fans took notice. And they were not disappointed by Jeru the Damaja's aptly titled debut, The Sun Rises in the East. His ability to drop rhymes filled with Biblical references and simultaneously speak out against the C.R.E.A.M credo that permeates hip-hop is unparalleled. The Brooklyn mic fiend's vast vocabulary and clear delivery are on display on "Mental Stamina," where he gloats that he's a "Phoenician with more stamina than a Christian," as he introduces the world to rhyme partner Afu Ra. And the street anthem "Come Clean" features DJ Premier--arguably hip-hop's best producer--at his finest (check the drippy faucet sample). This album isn't without controversy, however. On "Da Bichez," Jeru draws a distinction between what he calls "bitches" and "young ladies" over a hot horn loop. But in spite of some inconsistencies in his stance as a prophet, this 40-minute album contains no filler, and remains his best work to date. --Dalton Higgins Amazon.com

Brooklyn Took It

After hearing nothing but praise for this album, I really considered checking it out. Once it was brought to my attention that DJ Premier handled the entire production, I held off no longer and immediately made this purchase. I'm glad I did. So many great Hip Hop albums were released in '94, and it's safe to say that this is one of them.

Personally, I like MC's that knock you over the head with their mic skills; (Rakim, GZA, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Nas) and it took a few listens to get use to Jeru's style. Clearly, he's not trying to show off, and compete. His focus is to educate the listener, and to speak out against the evils that plaque black communities. "Aint The Devil Happy" has got to be my favorite track on here. If there's any techniqual mic skills he lacks, he makes up for them in his subject matter.

The production is beyond A+. This is arguabley some of Premo's best work. I love Hip Hop beats from this era, and it's beats like these that enhance that love.

If you're a fan of socially conscience, postiive Hip Hop (especially from the early 90's) YOU NEED THIS ALBUM.

August 21, 2008

The essence of hip hop

You see now this is hip hop. Jeru spits some of the best bars and comes correct on this album. The beats are hot too. I love the whole album but my highlights are these. My Mind Spray. Put this track on and tell me who spits like this now. Come Clean is one of the best tracks ever. The water drops looped up into the beat with Jeru's murdereous flow. D. Original that track is just raw. This is hip hop son. Not that commercial garbage killing hip hop on the mainstream. January 9, 2008

The Sun STILL Rises in the East

This is what Hip Hop is all about; meaningful lyrics and original beats. DJ Premier is one of the greatest producers/DJ's in the game and this album showcases his skills. Jeru is dropping science for all the knuckle heads. This is a welcomed break from the same old, same old sound rappers are putting out today. Old School for Life!!!! January 7, 2008

Introduction to damage

This is Jeru's debut album and it does not disappoint. It's well known that DJ Premier was in charge of production for artists like Jeru, Group Home, M.O.P. and GangStarr. However, on this album, Jeru and Premier seemed to have created a different kind of concept that is not present on any either D&D album. Jeru was a hypo-political storyteller and Permier's beat were the artistic backdrops. "Come Clean" was and still is an amazing track. Although Jeru never attained the commercial fame that his ability commanded, his mark on hip-hop is indelible. December 7, 2007

Classic

Yeah when you want true hip hop it just doesnt get better then this right here man... Jeru the damaja's "the sun rises in the east" is one of those albums that you dont skip any track cause all the songs are straight fire and the lirycs are even more deadly and the beats ? Amazing.Hip hop used to be my insperation back in these day. Go copy if you dont already have it ? U need to get beat down. Every true hip hop head should already own diz album. June 10, 2007

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