J-Ax
Rap N'Roll

Beautiful people, there’s not much to say... J-Ax is always J-Ax! Those who criticize him for changing genres either have always appreciated hip hop and not J-Ax, or are incorrigible nostalgics who think "there’s no more tomorrow like there used to be" and that "things were better when they were worse." The truth is there are few Italian artists like Ax, who manage to renew themselves with every album and surprise their audience, and he is practically the only one to remain in the hit parade. Even with "Rap n'roll," J-Ascia hasn’t let us down, once again radically changing everything.

Anyway, let’s move on to analyze this yet another masterpiece track by track.

It starts with "aumentaci le dosi," a purely hip hop piece, with a deliberately "disruptive" base (the chorus, for example, is a mix of scratches and sound effects) crafted by THG, DJ of Gemelli DiVersi, who here vents his hiphop-loving nature, repressed for years due to the more pop and melodic genre adopted by his band. The base features very powerful bass at points, as if to accentuate the toxic nature of the lyrics. In this song, Ax uses the irony that makes each of his songs special, rapping about how nowadays people are addicted to any audiovisual junk (from reality shows to politicians’ lies), to the point where they feel nothing more and so urge an increase in doses. The track presents a very serious subject in a fun way, making it highly commendable.

It continues with "i vecchietti fanno o," the first single released, also fitting into the hip hop genre. The base is a sample of an 80s hit, Ax raps, and Guido Style, the voice of The Styles now fixed in Ax’s band, does the "ooooooooo" choruses of the old men. In the lyrics, Ax says he wants, as he grows older, not to lose his playful and fun side (he himself has sometimes compared himself to Peter Pan) and wishes the same destiny for his generation. So the old men would do "o" like the children in Povia’s much-played hit because internally they remain a bit like kids themselves. Radio-friendly sounds and original, fun lyrics make the song very good.

After 2 hip hop tracks, we dive into crossover (which will dominate the entire album) in the third track "mi ri-fiuto." The base is dominated by an electric guitar and a hip hop beat. The verses are rapped by Ax, while the more melodic chorus is mainly handled by Guido Style. There’s also a cameo by metalhead friend Pino Scotto, responding to a message from someone named Gregorio (who introduces the track) accusing him of being too commercial and "playing with J-Ax." The response is a loud "screw you!!!" The song is a highly ironic invective against society, seemingly also responding to the provocation of the message like "more than commercial, listen to this!" Not bad.

Next, we find a piece musically similar to "mi ri-fiuto," with electric guitar and beat. Ax’s voice dominates here. The nearly entirely rapped piece titled "io non te lo do" is already eloquent, as it's a response Ax, happily married, gives to a girl hitting on him in a club. Also, not bad.

The fifth track, besides being the title track, is undoubtedly the undisputed gem of the entire work. The piece is a pure crossover mixing very powerful rock instrumentation with a hip hop style that reminds one of Club Dogo (it’s no coincidence that the second verse is rapped by Guè Pequegno, voice of the aforementioned group). Ax raps the first verse while Guido Style sings in the chorus. The song talks about their very rock n’ roll lifestyle that, being them, becomes RAP n’roll. Divinely cursed.

Then we move to the first ballad of the album titled "in mezzo," mixing a dark electric guitar, a beat, and various effects. J-Ax sings and raps a bit throughout with more melodic choruses aided by the Wonderbra (historic backing singers with him since the early '90s). The subject is addiction to sex and drugs that drags you down, and certain "friends" who instead of helping, pull you in further. Very solid.

Next, we find what, in my opinion, is a bit of the black sheep of the album, "freedrink." The piece is in a style reminiscent of Articolo 31 hip hop (and it’s true that the chorus is largely sung by the Wonderbra), but amidst the beat and effects, the electric guitar also stands out. The verses are rapped by Ax (who also sings part of the chorus) and historic friend and collaborator Space One, describing their lives in club VIP areas, where among all those rich kids and models, they are more genuine and endearing to people. Not entirely disposable, but Ax has done wayyyyy better.

It’s the moment for "3 paperelle," a track performed as a duet with rocker Irene Vipodas. It’s a highly instrumental punk-rock track where Ax’s rap in the singing is somewhat subdued. The track talks about the blow taken by 3 girls (a provincial one, a musician, and an Eastern European girl) who see Milan as the place to fulfill themselves, but soon realize the lie. Not bad.

The ninth track, in my opinion, is the best after the title track. Titled "come io comanda," it’s a crossover with a rugged electric guitar and a well-executed beat, almost entirely sung by Ax with a small contribution from Guido Style in the chorus. The subject is the life of the Artist (note the capital letter...), ALWAYS AND FOREVER UPWIND, but it's how he wants it. Gives you chills!!!!!

To close the album, "signora," a melancholic acoustic ballad with beat and some electronic effects, very melodic in which Ax describes and expresses solidarity towards a typical elderly lady bewildered by today’s world ("if you can trust me, I recognize your scent, it reminds me of when I was new, and grandpa explained the world to me"). Very beautiful and deep.

The album has only 10 tracks, but only because it’s the first part of work that will conclude with a second summer album.

Note the undeniable influence that the friendship with the Dogo Gang has had on Ax as he has reconnected with rap and started frequently using the slang address "zio" typical of Dogo. This, in my opinion, is not a flaw because it shows Ax doesn’t care about labels and only does what he feels like at the moment.

I think the album overall deserves 4 and a half stars.

Great job, Ax! Keep it up!

DEMIAN