Applejaxx – The Breakfast Club

The human body is a perfect conundrum of durable and delicate, reflecting the utmost precision of the Heavenly Father’s creativity. Resiliency in varying climates, physically demanding activities, and mentally taxing situations are testaments to our durability. Simultaneously our delicateness is revealed in our sicknesses, need for rest/ recovery, and ultimately our death. That said, the Lord has provided diverse ways for us to take care of our bodies in ways that honor Him in addition to spiritual discipline. Applejaxx balanced the two with his album Organic and continues with The Breakfast Club addendum to his series.

To backtrack a bit, Organic was a ten song project that was effectively presented in a conceptual space akin to its title. Standout tracks included “EyeCandy”, “DeTox”, “Against The Odds”, and “Live Fresh”. Encouraging ‘organic’ faith that put a complete focus on Jesus, no additives, Applejaxx maintained a uniqueness in presentation that has been his calling card since his Nureau days. Though the album is overall strong, it suffered from being a bit uneven lyrically and/ or musically. With that being said, we’ll take a closer look at The Breakfast Club…highlighting the day’s most important meal.

How often do people rush out of the house in the morning with a cup of coffee and the intent to stop at a donut shop? I know I’m guilty of that or pulling up to the golden arches and impaling myself on the guised pleasure of a McGriddle. All that to say that Applejaxx decided to focus on breakfast (read: beginning of the day) as the most important place to examine our “diets”. Beginning with the Miami dance- feel of “Cream”, Applejaxx gets right into the truth that should start all of our days- “Christ rules everything around me”. Although that it is the central truth to our lives, the infamously predictable and overused flip of the Wu acronym leads to a slow start for this EP.

Things pick up a bit with Bananas, featuring solid vocals from Odetta, as Applejaxx continues to extend his metaphors well. Wielding his accessible flow and lyrics, Applejaxx throws in a bit of feigned braggadocious as he proclaims his “flow is bananas”. This isn’t so much a thumping of a chest as a proclamation that his flow is not meant to appease a palette accustomed to junk. Next up, AJaxx enlists International Show on “Ridin” to create a decent anthem for those who enjoy the narrow lane life. The beat bangs and the hook is catchy, but the song just may not stick to many ribs.

Fadacy is well represented on this project, as expected, and AJ calls on his wife (Trini) to help galvanize “Target”. Speaking about the target that is the mark of the higher calling, Apple discusses how he had to maintain in an atmosphere of the complexity of various relationships, executing well. “Clean” is a banger of sorts, with a stereotypical south feel to it, since Applejaxx is from NC (partially evidenced by his Ed Cota reference) it makes sense. The main issue with this song is that Mr. Coldstone is out of place on this beat. It just doesn’t fit with his flow and it seemed he was lyrically effected in the process. The EP closes out with an appearance from Young Chozen, and both emcees champion the shining of light on “Lasers”.

Overall, the intent and goal behind the Organic series, so to speak, is a fresh take on living “wholly” for the Father. Commercially driven production is the engine behind Applejaxx’s sound and his lyricism remains sharp in many spots. On the other side of the coin, some of the concepts and hooks on this project aren’t as challenging or provoking as I’d like. This project is pretty good, worth a listen, but may not stay in rotation for long.

Categorical Ratings Breakdown:

Originality/Creativity: 3.5/5
Lyrics/ Delivery: 3/5
Beat Selection/production: 3/5
Concept/Arrangement: 3/5