In Memoriam: The Jacka
Born in Pittsburg, CA, an area a little in-land from Bay Area major, The Jacka was one of the bay areas biggest movers and shakers, creating a feeling of collaboration and teamwork that was unfamiliar to the sectarian culture of bay rap. Similarly to Mac Dre, the Jack was cut down in his prime, silenced before his music could have reached the general public. An incredible lyricist and musical mind, the Jacka created a legendary body of work before his unfortunate passing, and this post will commemorate some of the hallmarks of this incredible discography.
The Demolition Men: Animal Planet mixtape is a project which will bring back warm memories of California crusin’ for any bay area local. Jammin’ this CD/mixtape in the deck, its easy to listen to this tape from start to finish. A collaborative effort between Jacka and his close-friend Husalah, both guys bring an original style which can only be imitated, never recreated. Both rappers have such a unique, dynamic style that every song has different feel and aesthetic. Truly a great project:
The Jack Artist is the Jacka’s second official album release (after his self-titled mixtape/album), a project which solidified the Jacka as an immense musical force in the bay area. Countless artists have been inspired to rap as a result of listening to and appreciating this album. Features amazing cuts, such as: Never Blink, Barney, and Girls Say.
A project which features the rapping talent of Mob Figaz members Jacka, AP. 9, and Husalah, the project doesn’t slack from start to finish. The opening track is one of the Jacka’s most memorable singles, Sicilian Breeze. This project is really great because of the production, which goes from hyper self-aware (Boom Clack) to slappin’ orchestral samples (Hott Head).Â
Honestly one of my favorite projects by the Jacka, hands down. The album is at times self-aware critique of the headstrong gangster identity, at times a slapper for the trunk, all heat, all the time. A collaboration with Ampichino, a rapper from Akron, Ohio, both rappers work incredibly well together. I Try is one of my favorite songs by the Jacka, period. The hook is incredibly memorable and catchy, while the verses bombard the listener with incredible word play, tragic narratives, and amazing production. The insane cutting of the vocal sample on Family First, the unparalleled wordplay and self-criticism, this album is a must listen.Â
Another collaboration with Ampichino, the sequel to 36 Zipz, House of the Dead is one of the Jacka’s most consistent releases. The song above is a track I come back to over and over again. Similar to the first project, the production lays the foundation for some incredible verses and hooks. This song turned me on to Lil Rue in a big way, another highly under-rated rapper put on by the Jack. Some of the most conscious trap-rap that’s ever been composed, and it has held up so well in the 7 years since it was released. The Jacka has a weird talent of sounding contemporary even when his music is over a decade old. Jack was so far ahead of the curve, and, while sometimes his music takes a minute to fully appreciate, it stick to you like a haunting memory. It’s hard to forget about, it’s addicting to remember, addicting to appreciate.
The Jacka has had a profound affect on the Bay Area’s rap culture, but, guaranteed, people appreciate the Jacka globally. He was an undeniable emcee, an undeniably positive figure for urban youth. That’s why it’s so hard to remember that there won’t be any more work by the Jacka. It seems like every time an artist is coming up in the Bay, jealousy and resentment takes them away from us. Today, I’ll be slappin’ Jack. Today, I’m going to appreciate him the only way I can: with a pair of headphones and a stuffed wood with 3 g’s of top shelf. Show some love to the Jacka, and never let his memory fade.
