(April 24, 2019) Rapper JSWISS’s new album Every Word is a Dollar is what I like to call a target rich environment. You’re certain to bag a good tune. And not only that, this is the kind of rap record that you can play in mixed company. JSWISS does not let loose with a stream of profanity. You won’t hear him objectifying women or glorifying violence, drug use or excessively conspicuous materialism and consumption – criticisms that have often been aimed at the hip-hop genre.
What you will hear on Every Word is a Dollar is an MC in JSWISS who his lyrically tight, an excellent storyteller who is well capable of giving listeners a wealth of substance that many long-time fans of the great genre of hip-hop has been craving. Musically, Every Word is a Dollar fuses hip-hop with R&B, rock and particularly jazz. It’s not surprising that JSWISS is so open music. His father is Bert Caldwell, the founder of the online music and arts magazine I Spy Soul.
Bert Caldwell is big supporter of JSWISS. He’s performed on stage with his son and both parents appeared in the music video for “The Gift,” one of the songs on Every Word is a Dollar. Our latest First Listen, “Rich,” sports the affirming message that there is more way to measure wealth than net worth – the kind of message that parents work to instill in their children. JSWISS took that message and ran with it.
JSWISS tight lyricism is backed by a bumping bass line and kicking drums that give the track a nice fusion of funk and hip-hop. His rap vocals are paired with the angelic vocals of singer Amma Whatt. Her jazz infused phrasing plays nicely off JSWISS’s rapid fire and imaginative flow on this uplifting jam that will make fans of the classic hip-hop sound feel real good. Check it out here.
By Howard Dukes
JSWISS feat. Amma Whatt – “Rich”
