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O.C. - Jewelz

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 10/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Almost ten years after O.C.(Omar Credle) debuted with "Word...Life" (1994) he still remains very much an underground artist. Whenever I hear people talking about slept on MC's, O.C.'s name usually comes up. I think he has maintained this status by always staying real to himself, and while this may not sell records I appreciate it. "Jewelz" (1997) is his second of three albums, his first is another album not to be missed. O.C.'s lyricial ability shines through on this release, production is tight and comes from established producers DJ Premier, Lord Finesse OGEE, Buckwild, Da Beatminerz and the Show. Guest appearances come from MCs I like: Big L (R.I.P.), Organized Konfusion, Freddie Foxxx (Bumpy Knuckles). After intro, DJ Premier produced "It's My World" starts things off very strong, O.C. spits ill verse after verse, backed by an eerie beat to remember. Next comes the Piano thumping "War Games", which is followed up with a deep tribute by O.C. to his wife on "Can't Go Wrong", and a surreal representation of himself on "Chosen One". "Dangerous" feat. Big L and "Win the G" feat. Freddie Foxxx are solid collabrations, both these artists are similar to O.C. in a way, in that they may never blow up but have definite underground followings. Big L only became more known to the mainstream after his death. "Far from Yours" feat. Yvette Michele is a relaxed Rap/R&B collab which works, I like the storytelling at the end of this track. Freddie Foxxx makes another good appearance on "M.U.G." and O.C. follows through with more memorable tracks , two that really standout for me include the dedication track "You and Yours" and the albums closer the title track "Jewelz". This album gets five stars from me as I get alot of enjoyment from listening to it and still listen to it alot many years later. O.C. is a talented & underated lyricist, who has a memorable flow and "Jewelz" is definetly an album to have if you enjoy O.C.'s music like I do."

Outstanding in all ways

~LEON~ | UK | 08/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard the track "My World" on the Westwood rap show back in 96/97 right when I was getting into hip hop - I literally ran across to the tape deck to press record after hearing about 10 seconds of this gem - not caring about what was in there already (turned out to be jazzy jeff summertime).



Last week I dug out the cassette that still has an almost complete "My World" on it and thought to myself I got to get this on vinyl.



A week later and I'll be damned if I don't have in my possession an original mint pressing of Jewelz. This LP lived up to the hype I had put on it - and for a hype that goes back the best part of a decade that's pretty good - outstanding in fact.



"My World" still rocks and sounds even better than it did on that crusty old tape (nuff respect) the beat is just plain haunting and it put a smile on my face to see that it was one of Premier's babies. Other standouts include "War Games", "Chosen One" "Dangerous" and "Jewelz" which is especially good.



Then there's a track called "Stronjay" - beatminerz produced this and I knew they had it in them but this production surpasses anything of theirs I've heard previously (including enta da stage LP) and puts a whole new light on their abilities. It's a contender for best track on the album, jostling with (at the moment) "My World" and "Jewelz".



Sound as it gets - any hip hop afficianado could do with getting their sweaty palms on this underground jewel."

Underrated

Paul H. | USA | 03/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jewelz isn't as good as Word...Life, but it is a very good album. O.C. is one of the most underrated MC's out there. Check out his nice lines and laid-back flow on "Far From Yours", "The Chosen One", and "My World". The production is also top-notch with great beats by Da Beatminerz, DJ Premier, Show, Ogee, Buckwild, and Lord Finesse. The album isn't flodded with guests allowing O.C. to shine throughout the album. Of the tracks with guests, "M.U.G." with Freddie Foxxx is the best. Big L also come off nicely on "Dangerous", but Organized Konfusion only show up for about thirty seconds on "War Games". I would have like to have seen some verses from Prince Po and Pharoahe. Jewelz is a very good, yet slept-on album that I'd suggest you pick up before it's gone."