Last year, Jay Scøtt was propelled by commercial radio. Copilothis collaboration with FouKi, is now certified platinum, and Broken, his solo success, continues to overwhelm the airwaves. The ex-rapper is taking advantage of this momentum to present an album in which he pays homage to his first love, Quebec hip-hop. On RapQueb Vol. 1, Jay Scøtt adapts 10 hits from local urban music. From Koriass to Sir Pathétik, Quebec rap of the past 20 years is transformed into quasi-original folk-pop pieces.
Posted yesterday at 4:00 p.m.
RapQueb Vol. 1 is destabilizing, even comical. It must be said that it is quite special to hear about weapons, drugs or prostitution on a soft guitar melody. “For the cash, there are those who have to sell, there are those who are shot down. To feed, there are those who have to spread their legs”, sings Jay Scøtt from the first notes. This text by Yvon Krevé already prepares us for the sequel; here and there, about RapQueb Vol. 1 is raw, but never too vulgar.
Far from a typical cover album, Jay Scøtt’s adaptations have nothing to do with the original versions. Five to seven (Koriass) goes from a funky proposition to dramatic music, while Everyone has their own way (Enima, Souldia, Fou Furieux) becomes an altogether joyful piece. The musician arranges the major scales into minor scales, and vice versa. This results in a very interesting change of perspective. Moreover, Jay Scøtt did everything – except the lyrics – alone in his home studio.
In short, the album is the best way to introduce contemporary rap hits (SAPOUD, Everyone has their own way, What it was) to a non-initiated audience.
Jay Scøtt’s creativity might have deserved less minimalist arrangements. We would have liked to find the work done in the recovery of the success The hitch of the trippe 2 (Sir Pathétik) on the whole disc. Nevertheless, RapQueb Vol. 1 takes place well before – we hope – the consecration of the artist with the OSM (from March 29 to 31).
Pop
RapQueb Vol. 1
Jay Scott
117 Records