MP3: Jahzel – “John Stockton / Radio Raheem”

Like the NBA Legend That the XXL-Premiered Track is Named After, This Chicago Rapper is Willing To Assist

10.29.2014

Critical Praise for Jahzel:

“Jahzel’s first impression is a solid one.” – The Smoking Section

“This is music with few hang-ups…perfect for a summer hip-hop playlist.” – PrefixMag

“Jahzel’s future brightens with every new release… we’re excited to hear more.” – HotNewHipHop

The Song:

On “John Stockton / Radio Raheem,” which debuts via XXL, rapper Jahzel explores the challenges encountered coming up in Chicago’s Northside – from the struggle for money, to battling addiction, to the public’s perception. All the while, he finds salvation in music. Concluding the song’s second verse, Jahzel raps, “feel like we had no options/ the whole hood feels locked in/ but we all be talkin’ ballin’/ well I guess I’m John Stockton, I will assist where I can.”

“John Stockton / Radio Raheem” is the third single from Jahzel’s album, The Wake Up, which releases early 2015 on The Black Key Collective. Speaking on the album, Jahzel says: “My overall message is to show those who may be unaware of the struggles of the inner city youth, through stories of personal experience, the complex decisions that must be made on a daily basis, which are also restricted by limited options. Many of the youth and young adults like myself mean well, and desire for what we all desire for, happiness. It’s just not always that easy.”

Earlier this month, Jahzel shared the album’s first visual, “Wake Up!,” via FakeShoreDrive. The video is a grim, chilling introspective which focuses on two characters faced with opposing realities: successful and homeless. The backdrop, which is just as haunting as the choir on the record produced by Flawless Trackz, showcases what can happen when desperation meets opportunity. This release followed the EARMILK premiere of “Who Is You,” the second single from the album. With a drill-induced production style the track, like “John Stockton / Radio Raheem,” provides insights on Jahzel’s experiences growing up in Chicago.

Listen to “John Stockton / Radio Raheem”: https://soundcloud.com/jahzelmusic/03-john-stockton-radio-raheem/s-V210C

Read the XXL premiere: http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2014/10/jahzel-john-stockton-radio-raheem/

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Jahzel – The Wake Up, tracklist:

1.Wake Up
2.Who Is You
3.John Stockton / Radio Raheem
4.The Vision
5.Trapt
6.Crazy
7.Seedlings
8.No Tears No Tissue
9.Scriptures
10.Faithful

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Jahzel.

Jahzel Background:

Only a true Chicagoan can fully understand the city’s hustle mentality – simultaneously holding down multiple jobs while going to school, taking care of our families, and being active in our communities, all while pursuing our dreams and goals. It’s the Chicago way. Chicago-born musician Jahzel, eats, sleeps, and breaths that mentality: “We [Chicagoans} are hustlers in general; we get it done,” he says proudly. “I am telling the story about Chicago that hasn’t been told – that along with the bad things that are happening, there are plenty of positive things going on. This is the real story of Chicago and I think people can relate to it.” Jahzel has always been a proud Chicagoan, and his most recent project, The Wake Up, is an ode to the city he holds dear.