JC Poppe
Sleep Therapy

Written by DJ AddiKt. Published: Thursday, November 5, 2009.

It’s not often that I hear of a hip-hop head, no less a talented one, hailing from the cheese state of Wisconsin. I certainly was not hesitant to listen to this record, but rather curious to hear what this mostly unaffiliated-with-hip-hop state had to offer. To my surprise, I was rather pleased, and I think you will be too.

Fresh out of the box, I could tell that JC Poppe’s Sleep Therapy record was going to be an entertaining ride. The introduction invites the listener to what sounds like an orchestra of melodies and drum rhythm. JC Poppe enters stage left and brings an enthralling cadence to the opening chapter of the album. Following the introduction, I hear an enthusiastic and energetic emcee that spits with lots of hunger and devotion. After hearing this, I recognize that I am not going to hear the same repetitive content throughout the record; I smile.

The first track after the introduction that really captivates my attention is the collaboration with Raze, titled “Fonky Stuff.” A groovy guitar with vocals coming from two emcees that sounds like they’re having a really fun time doing this track. For the most part, any time it can be heard that an emcee is enjoying him or herself on a song, the more enjoyable it can become for the person listening. So far so good, this album sounds like it has an opportunity to get another listen.

What seems to be the song that will give JC Poppe the most notoriety is the collaboration with Guilty Simpson. And I can say that this song should give him that notoriety, because it is a very well structured composition. Guilty Simpson kicks the track off over a real funky (or “fonky”) tune. It simply feels natural to nod your head really hard when jamming out to this. The chorus amplifies the song even more, in turn making my head nod even harder. My only gripe is that it’s only one verse from both Guilty and JC; that beat deserves more blessing!

As the record progresses, the production continues to hold my attention. From the mellow piano on the inspirational track “Plans” to the boom-bap beat on “A Saving Sound”, which sounds like a track I’d hear from an old People Under The Stairs album (not a bad thing!). “A Saving Sound” is a song I can see myself listening to when I need a pick-me-up. It has a very casual and peaceful tune to it, yet really entices me to listen with a more thorough ear to what is actually being said by Mr. Poppe.

This record certainly touches a number of different levels of production, vocal tone and energy. Overall, it is a very consistent and worthwhile record to listen to. It has a very upbeat mood and is a great compilation to listen to while cruising around in the car. I have no doubt, and certainly hope, that we will be hearing more from JC Poppe in the near future.

Category: Reviews