Jurassic 5 does the re-issue right
By Phillip Sayblack
Friday, November 14, 2008
Jurassic 5 is a rap group among rap groups. There is no group out there like J5 today. The only other groups that has a similar feel to J5 is Public Enemy. But Public Enemy is similar to J5 in sound only. Chuck D. and company are rather militant in their message, while J5 is the exact opposite. J5 has always made music that brings the masses together for a good time. Now, years after the group’s debut, Jurassic 5 has rewarded its fans for their loyalty by re-issuing its long sought after self-titled LP. The reward for fan loyalty is an impressive one, too. This new re-issue boasts not only the original LP, but a second bonus cd loaded with rare and never heard material. Not only that, but there is also a bonus DVD that boasts a near half hour concert for fans who have never had the chance to see this group live.
In listening to this re-issue, and comparing it to the group’s other work, fans can tell how much the group has grown over the years. The sound from this record is similar to the group’s other work. But there is a certain something on this record that sets it apart from the group’s other work. That is not a bad thing, either. This record is just as impressive as all of the other albums released by J5 so far.
The bonus second disc only adds to the enjoyment of the album by presenting songs that most fans likely have not heard before. The bonus DVD is yet another added bonus. However, parents of younger audiences should be warned that the feature, “The Jurassic Period” does have nudity in it late in the feature. And being that this record isn’t labeled with an advisory as it obviously should (despite the nudity and profanity throughout the record), the nudity and language is there. So just because it is not labeled, does not mean that this album is suitable for younger audiences. That aside, the near half-hour concert is the real bonus of the included DVD. Fans who have never seen or heard J5 perform live finally get the chance to see the band perform. The live show is just long enough to make fans want more. It could be enough to entice audiences to buy tickets when the group comes around to their town on their next tour.
Jurassic 5 has never flown in the mainstream radar. It has always been a group that appeals more to the college crowd. Perhaps that is because of its style. The group has made a valiant effort to keep alive the old school sound. There is an obvious emphasis on the group’s DJ’s, DJ Nu-Mark and Cut Chemist. Nowadays, rappers and rap groups put far less emphasis on DJ’s and overall group interaction, even if performing solo. Perhaps that is part of what makes J5 such an impressive group to this day. Regardless of what it is that has kept J5 so enjoyable, this re-issue of the group’s self-titled release is definitely a must for any fan of Jurassic 5 new and old alike.
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