I was first introduced to AJ The Big Fella through 2MINDZ with the their joint project "Great Minds Think Alot". I continued to listen out for him and was impressed with his tracks like "Super Vison" and being featured on a track called "Destiny". As I heard that he was dropping another joint project with 2MINDZ called "Wordz Of Wisdom", I was smart enough to know that I needed to check it out.
COMMUNICATION- REPEAT OFFENDER: " EVERYTHING IS DELICATE/ I FORGOT THE LAST TIME I HEARD SOMETHING INTELLIGENT/ HOW WE GONNA CHANGE ANY PROBLEM THAT'S RELEVANT/ IF WE CHANGE THE SUBJECT BEFORE WE GET THE PREDICATE" This is my favorite track off of the project. I immediately fell in love with this track as soon as the snare hit. This track embodies the theme of the album as AJ speaks on subjects that need to be communicated through wisdom and healthy dialogue. 2MINDZ does his thing with this Dwele sample making this serious track seem smooth all the way out. The production and complex conversations within this track makes it a REPEAT OFFENDER!
LOVING MEMORY- REPEAT OFFENDER: "MIGHT BE LIVING NOW, BUT THIS A SAMPLE, NOTHING LASTS FOREVER" This track just hits different. The fun and upbeat sample of Amerie mixed with AJs at times grim lyrics balance each other well. AJ talks about life, after life and the dash in between and makes some very great points about living life. I love the double entendre of "but this is a sample" being rapped over a sample. This track is a REPEAT OFFENDER!
Overall, this project brings real hip hop back! The synergy between AJ and 2MINDZ improves as they deliver their version of AJ's "Kings Disease 2". The production matches AJ's lyrical prowess with each track. The vibe of the project feels as though a Slum Village and Little Brother project had a baby. It could clearly be felt on "Peace (Let it Go)". The listener can hear Phonte influences on this track and sprinkles throughout the album. Also, with this track, 2MINDZ makes his debut dropping a verse. He leaves the listener wanting to hear more and gives a Dilla-ish flow giving him a new moniker of "Duce Dilla".
Speaking of guest appearances, AJ did a good job picking them. Devvon Horn had a really good verse on "Grind Season" as well as Pappa Pill on "Fearless" RoYal on "Communication " and all of the interlude conversations ("Top Ten", "Hard Head" and "Chance Makes Champions" which added meat to the album. AJ shines with his storytelling skills with "Retrospect (Looking Back" (this would be a great video), "Extroverted Introvert" (also would be a good video),"Moments" (a great love song) and "Super Vision".
AJ The Big Fella is a true fan of hip hop. You can tell as you listen to every track (also including his bonus track "Lansing" on the band camp release). I enjoyed this project from start to finish and can see AJ becoming a name in some Top 10 lists. When AJ hooks up with 2MINDZ that make bangers. AJ The Big Fella is a true emcee and his "Wordz of Wisdom" are something that we can all learn from. Spread The Soup!