Jah-Femi Telewa, a prolific poet, author, composer, and more, has dropped one of his most ambitious albums in ‘Of Hip-Hop Alternative, the First Chronicle: Thus It Began’. It's a record that refuses to be neatly filed away, sitting comfortably at the nexus of spoken word, classic hip-hop beats, and magnificent neo-classical orchestrations. From the moment the opener ‘Sweet Crystals’ kicks off with an invigorating fusion of verse and stirring backing vocals, you’re on notice: this isn't just alternative hip-hop, it’s a bold declaration of a new sonic direction.
The record’s most impressive feat is how seamlessly it manages to layer a multitude of seemingly disparate influences without ever sounding cluttered or forced. It’s slathered in all sorts of genres, yet their incorporation into the main meat of the record is tasteful and totally effortless. A huge part of this unique atmosphere is down to the rich, dramatic orchestral touches adorning the entire piece. Those stunning string arrangements add a real gravitas and sense of theatre to the music.
The lyricism here is exceptionally well written, concise, and articulate, but never at the expense of a killer flow. The album unfolds with an easy confidence, assisted by an eclectic and seriously impressive roster of guests, including The Monstera Opera Music Group, Sophie Kray, and Avery Kadish.
There are tracks here that will grab you instantly and demand repeated listens. The moody deep bass tones and floating, melodic vibes of ‘Shining Stars’ are undeniable, with Telewa’s delivery cutting through with a captivating, stilted, repetitive style. It’s tracks like ‘Quantitative Lingo’, where everything comes together perfectly. Bright 8-bit synths transform into a gorgeous piano accompaniment in the latter half of the song, creating a moment of genuine, unprecedented emotional connection.
Elsewhere, ‘Like Boom It’s Doom’ brings a self-aware delivery alongside potent brass notes, featuring some of Telewa’s sharpest verses. The experimental, heavy side of the album shines on ‘Lookest Like’, while the surprising acapella textures of ‘Kinda Luv IT’ prove Telewa is still keen to try out new tricks. The journey comes to an epic close with ‘GOD’s Love 2’, where The Monstera Opera Music Group truly shine, delivering dark anthemics that break over dynamic strings.
‘The First Chronicle’ is a genuinely essential listen for anyone keen on hearing where hip-hop can go next. You can stream the full album above, and for more from Jah-Femi Telewa, be sure to check out his website at: https://jahfemitelewa.com
