By Ahmad Awadallah
There aren’t too many emcees that possess deft lyricism and versatility like Flint, Michigan’s Jon Connor. His debut album, Salvation, oozes hunger and promise with 13 introspective tracks that demonstrate his will to become one of Hip-Hop’s elite.
The intro alone singe-handily destroys most artists’ entire albums. The triumphant production draws you in while his energetic flow and clever wordplay finally absorbs all your attention. It’s no wonder why Hip-Hop heavyweights DJ Kay Slay, Nas, Saigon and Busta Rhymes co-sign the young rhyme slinger. He also maintains a charismatic cockiness that he backs-up throughout the album. In the intro JC spits, “I’m the truth people blind/I can prove it/see I give you eyes through this music,” with self-assured smugness. His smooth cadence really comes alive on “Minutes & Seconds,” as his flow and the poignant beat interlock fluently.
Connor shows his intellect on the track “We All In,” over a high-tempo, disjointed beat. His flow seems off beat at times due to the production’s disorderly elements. Thankfully, Connor’s commanding presence on the mic is enough to save the track.
“Hustle Music” is mixture of violin sounds and MPC notes which comes off somewhat ghastly. There aren’t too many rappers that can save sub-par production, fortunately Jon Connor lives up to his name and rescues the tracks from being totally destroyed. Despite the beat, JC spits about being the advocate for the ghetto and presenting the realities of the hood; nothing really groundbreaking, but his bars are still dexterously dangerous. “People move snow/just to rock ice/it’s cold in these streets” are just some of the hot lines waiting on the track.
Posse cut “Blue City Club” brings together homies Caas Swift, Link and Brandon Bars for a track featuring four distinct styles but ultimate it is Connor that Ignites the song to explosive level with a serious close that is rewind worthy.
On the record, “Big City” the Flint representative shifts his talent in fifth gear. He constantly transitions from his customary paced flow to a more rapid fire one, which adds flash to the gritty beat. The track connects bountiful bars with a nicely-knitted hook, despite having a borrowed Kanye Westish sound.
Songstress Lia Mack lends her talents on the track, “Someday.” The production is on-point with exultant trumpets and robust drum chiming, while Con fires off blistering bars and Lia cools-off the scorching track with her calm crooning. The hook is chock-filled with Con’s cocky aura, where his spits, “I feel like the world’s in my hand/can get it if you stay, put your hands in the air/yeah, I feel like I’m riding on the clouds/I know the haters see me now/shit, I ain’t coming down.”
Michigan is in great shape, in terms of Hip-Hop, at least. Master lyricists Royce and Eminem just released a joint album, Big Sean is the rap game’s hottest rookie and now they have Jon Connor, who is poised to blow. Connor packs a powerful amount of wittiness, confidence, sincerity and will to thrive in this saturated rap game and forgot to mention that his name alone strikes fear in the competition. Salvation is an album possessed of personality and ventures beneath the surface of money pussy and drugs that permeates mainstream Hip-Hop with a laser sharp lyricism that is accessible.
3.75 Out of 5
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