Rapid Review: JIMMY - DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

 

Calliope Music Rapid Reviews

JIMMY - DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

Los Angeles Rapper, JIMMY Brings a Positive Message with Flavorful Retro Production, but Generally Derivative West Coast Hip-Hop.

   Funk bass licks, jazzy drumming and West Coast synths march along vocal samples as JIMMY spouts about his past, his love life, the rap game and pursuing one's dreams.

    Saporous instrumentals are spirited through a variety of samples, taking synths, guitars and even saxophone to delineate upbeat Hip-Hop developments. While this production is aptly executed, it is abundantly reminiscent of other artists, such as Tyler, the Creator, Kendrick Lamar, 2pac, Baby Keem and Brock Hampton. JIMMY replicates the beat and hook to 2pac's 'Hail Mary' on the track, 'HEAVYWEIGHT' and even uses the same exact cadence and vocal inflection of Baby Keem on the track, 'REPARATIONS.' JIMMY attempts to address the borderline plagiaristic quality to his music with this rather hysterical bar:

"N***as say I'm copying Tyler like he invented Jazz, 

Half of  you n***as copying Carti like he invented ass."

    While JIMMY has a point that popular music is largely derivative of other artists like Playboi Carti, it doesn't warrant the lengths of unoriginality that DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY exhibits.

    Meanwhile, the lyricism sees a level of imitation as well, but to a much lesser degree. The LA based rapper spits reasonable verses regarding his rise as an artist, his love for his fiancé and growing up in a crime ridden area. JIMMY also projects his motivations, citing the title of the album as a major theme and purpose behind the record. This all gives the project an uplifting feel, albeit one that isn't particularly unique or refreshing. On the whole, this pattern of imitation is what pulls the record down, despite some quite engaging production.

Best Tracks: LONE SOLDIER -- MONARCH -- WHEN I'M GONE

4/10

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