Two years after his directorial feature-length movie debut, The More durable They Fall, multifaceted artistic Jeymes Samuel returns with a brand new film, The Guide of Clarence, produced by, amongst others (together with Samuel himself), JAY-Z.
Soundtracks of current day usually subscribe to the ‘much less is extra’ adage, overstuffing tracklists with forgettable fodder (assume Area Jam 2). Jeymes, nonetheless, took a unique method along with his newest flick, crafting the soundtrack himself, billing it as “a Jeymes Samuel album” with a rigorously curated visitor checklist.
Nailing the curation to perfection, he finds fascinating hooks for a number of swaths of listeners. The album’s arguably highest apex, the rewind-worthy “Hallelujah Heaven” that includes Lil Wayne, Buju Banton, and the at all times noteworthy Shabba Ranks, is a collaboration constructed to trigger area of interest pleasure for a sure generational pocket.
Likewise, “JEEZU” that includes Def Jam-affiliated afrobeats star Adekunle Gold, Kodak Black and Doja Cat — who continues to show she will stand toe-to-toe with the highest MCs of the day — appeals to a wholly completely different viewers. Her power is palpable, as she spits: “If you bought integrity, there’s no room for apologies/ Now they actin’ sort to me ’trigger I ain’t in economic system/ Cats dogmatic ’til they see I bought the canine in me.”
The variety of the soundtrack is its biggest power. Jeymes doesn’t simply play to the strengths of his company, he brings them into his world of eclectic, centered funk and soul vibes. His duet with famed Brazilian singer Jorge Ben Jor and his collaboration with Yemi Alade take listeners on a top-to-bottom musical tour, fusing genres in one of the best ways potential.
One quasi letdown is the D’Angelo and JAY-Z featured “I Need You Eternally”; although an apparent bucket checklist notch in Samuel’s belt, it doesn’t dwell as much as the “soulful biblical bliss” grandeur he promised beforehand. Sonically cosy within the playlist, D’Angelo sounds nice, but he’s boxed into repetition. With 9 minutes at their disposal, there may have been much more variation.
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JAY-Z, however, delivers a verse so laid-back and missing in power, that it’s simple to think about he dropped it midway by way of a bottle of bourbon from an armchair. The track is reminiscent in its method to OutKast‘s “SpottieOttieDopaliscious,” although it options Hov rhyming slightly than talking, which makes him sound barely off-kilter at factors. Nonetheless, when he begins overemphasizing within the latter half of his verse, he begins to hit his stride.
Jeymes himself provides a number of of the venture’s most intriguing moments all on his personal. “Pricey Heaven” and “Nazarene” exude an inescapable new-age Curtis Mayfield vibe, along with his distinct, soulful voice — to not point out his pen sport — glowing like a VVS diamond.
Different huge names be part of the set, like Child Cudi, who gives a blinding efficiency on “Godqueen,” and Jorja Smith, whose silky vocals on “Champagne” really feel like hen soup for the soul. With Jeymes and JAY-Z each working in a manufacturing capability for Cudi’s upcoming Netflix movie Teddy, it’s intriguing to think about if “Godqueen” is likely to be a precursor to that film’s soundtrack.
In the end, The Guide Of Clarence stands as an extremely stable soundtrack, worthy of a number of spins. If you happen to’re somebody who will get misplaced within the sea of sameness, it’s an excellent introduction to some new sounds and artists value digging into additional.
RELEASE DATE: January 12, 2024
RECORD LABEL: Geneva Membership/Roc Nation
Take heed to The Guide of Clarence Soundtrack beneath:
