Jim Jones' M.O.B. Crew To 'Fill The Void' In Hip-Hop Marketplace
Published: Thursday - June 12, 2008
Words by Natalie Hess
M.O.B. (Members Of Brydgang) (Photo: Asylum Records)
Splash! It is what it is and Harlem is back. Introduced by Dame Dash at the exclusive listening party in NYC last week, Jim Jones brought the whole crew, a new crew, M.O.B. known as the tight family called Members of Byrdgang, for an exclusive preview of their album to selected press.
Just in time for the summer, July 1st will see the release of an album full of true talent and tough times. The eight member crew -- featuring Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Chink Santana, Mel Matrix, Sandman, Freekey Zekey, NOE and Oshy -- is ready to burst onto the scene.
"It seems like there's certain voids in this marketplace that need to be filled," said Dame Dash. "Of course it would take a guy like Jimmy to recognize that because it really is family. None of these people here are recruited." The vibe of the night proved this eight member group naturally fit together as friends, not associates. As each record spun in the studio, the crew bounced, lit up and sipped together. It was a party with less strict business involved.
"We riding 'til the wheels fall off," said Jim Jones. "We blessed to keep goin' on. Nothin' to lose, everything to gain."
The first single, titled "Splash," is produced by Chink Santana and features Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, NOE and Chink Santana himself. Kickin' off the listening session, "Splash" is that head boppin' feel good song that is bound to be a major hit for the summer of '08. "Throwin' Bg's" "So Cold" and "Byrd Gang Money" are right behind as the next releases featuring Sandman and Mel Matrix in the mix of smoothly raw nouveau voices.
Amidst controversy, the late Stack Bundles who is featured on two songs does not appear on the album cover. Mel Matrix explained that it was more of an emotional and respective decision by the group rather than Stacks was blatantly left out.
"When I lost Stacks I lost a close friend," said Mel Matrix. "He kept me focused. Every time I step in the booth I think about Stacks. He was taken from me."
Jim Jones agreed. When asked what it was like to work on the rest of the M.O.B. album without Stacks, he replied "It's hard." He pointed to the sky and said 'he's right here' as Stack Bundles verse in the "Blasphemy" song ironically played as Jim spoke of the late artist.
The 15 song compilation CD also features production by Green Lantern, Joe Black & Noyz and a guest appearance by Hell Rell on "Heartbeat." M.O.B. album is sure to make an impact this summer by the joint venture of family and friends in search for top reign.
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