Indefinable (self-released)
Rapper Jus Mic has a lot to say. On "Fight," he practically sounds out of breath as he raps about "driving to my destiny" over an orchestral flourish of samples. The song is just one highlight on this ambitious and diverse album. As much as Mic sounds ready to rumble on "Fight," he taps into his sensitive side on the 2Pac-like "Traveling Man," a contemplative love song that sounds surprisingly soulful. He also mines similar territory with "Carrys Me," a jazzy tune that features a nice spoken-word bit by guest Tierra Khali. "No Church" has gospel overtones and "Your Turn to Burn" benefits from its piano riff. Both could play well on commercial radio. Mic could have easily delivered a straight-up rap record. It's a testament to his ambition that he successfully delves into so many different genres and teams up with such a wide range of producers.
