The name DJ JS1 has echoed through New York for decades as a member of the Rocksteady Crew, a tour deejay for Rahzel, a producer, and a graffiti artist under the moniker Jerms. It’s a resume that puts him in select circle of true heads and purveyors of the culture of hip-hop rather than just a contributor to the genre.
Fittingly he enlists Homeboy Sandman, Kyle Rapps, and Breeze Brewin for “110 Percent”, three rappers who have long paid dues, invested, and proven to be lifers of hip-hop. There is no disputing the extra 10 percent of effort in the four artists. The former member of the Juggaknots bats lead off with a style untainted by time, Breeze Brewin has been the same rapper since the Clear Blue Skies EP in ’96—truly all we’ve ever needed from him. Meanwhile Homeboy Sandman and Kyle Rapps rekindle the collaborative effort first established on Rapps’ “Love, Love” single. (Friendly reminder: Homeboy Sandman was recently added to our CMJ Showcase at the Palisades on Thursday.)
DJ JS1’s It is What It Isn’t is out now on iTunes and available on CD/vinyl through Fat Beats/UGHH.
