“Real life movie, I don’t know any actors”
As life continues to move fast around us, there was a sudden pause as this album played. This one, the one that I’ve waited patiently for, bringing back the days you heavily anticipated the release. I was alone with the album, and not planning to write this, but I couldn’t help it. I couldn’t stop it.
If you know me, you know that I am deeply enamored with this artist. Him being a once in a generation talent, the kind with staying power, the kind sent for such a time as this. An artist part of the divine collective that has and will continue to shift music in its entirety, grossly to our advantage.
At its open, “Sucks To Be You” the familiar track acting as the sedative leading up to the release. The beat blaring per usual and perfectly complemented with his emotional discourse displayed over the constant, inconceivable production.
The first four songs spoiled me, getting Saint Jhn all by himself without features, the way I love him most, how I found him in Collection One. They arrived with a perfect refresher. High School Reunion, Prom and Monica Lewinsky the ultimate part two. It was comforting, like the one you love returning and the first hug upon their arrival. Love all over again, and again.
Pray for me, a standout. Truly, the moment when you simply can’t believe what you’re hearing; me often forgetting to breathe as I listened. A spiritual moment. The moment when the duality of great artistry and numinosity come together for a greater experience than just music. When all of those elements in the universe come so perfectly together and you're unable to truly express the feeling the song is giving you, though you’re changed by it.
It was Saint’s singing in the background at 1:49 like that moment in church when the choir sings the high point, believing that God is in the place healing and delivering; the same anointing that rests on this artist.
My life now, this highlight now
Just play my mama this if I die right now
Regardless of the success and the inevitable relationships that come with it, Saint Jhn and Kanye West, a divine connection, one we need now, the Kanye we need. How great it was to hear him.
I couldn’t help but wonder during the invaluable seconds of the song, if the average listener truly understood what was happening? If they realized the vital and paramount moment of these two artists? Not just the well esteemed Roc a Fella lineage, but also the timing, the reminder. The nod to Biggs impeccable ear and integral position in music.
The beauty and elegance of “Ransom” with 6LACK and Kehlani, fly talk, sky slang, either way, wonderfully done.
This is his moment, one of the many he’s had so early in his career. It is Saint Jhn’s ability to connect me to the struggles wrapped in the attempt of success while being able to live it in the inevitable moments of it. Also, his ability to go in and out of pocket perfectly and bring a freshness to music with versatility disallowing us to close him in any “genre” box we could possibly attempt. It is his ability to just sing his soul and dive into ours in the process every time he releases music, even in features. Speaking of, JID on Quarantine Wife, exceptional.
This album like every other is a collection of excellence, of the privileged class, the listeners included. It’s everything about him, even the conviction in his speech. Saint Jhn, an artist ahead of his time and ours. What a time to be alive, especially as the world is burning. Like this album and the experience of Saint Jhn’s table, an honor.