j hus

J Hus’ Villainous Reign On ‘Beautiful And Brutal Yard’ Is A Telling Tale In His Fascinating Rise

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J Hus 'Beautiful And Brutal Yard' artwork
Epic Records

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The most fascinating thing about J Hus’ third album Beautiful And Brutal Yard is that the rapper rarely faces a loss. Sure, the British rapper has had to put his career on pause at times, most notably to serve a five-month sentence after the release of his 2018 debut album Common Sense for carrying a knife in public. For the most part, he’s a villain with no chinks in his armor, but one that has inflicted damage to varying levels against his enemies. He has neverending stories about finding himself in the middle of crossfire, self-induced or not, but through it all, he’s in control of the beautiful and brutal yard he lives in. The beauty is clear as J Hus charms as a slick-talking and charismatic man with all the talents and lines to whisk away the woman of his choice. On the flip side, the brutal moments come from the rapper’s villainous reign as an authority too fearless, too relentless, and too equipped to be removed from his throne.

The qualities mentioned above aren’t exclusive to the beauty or brute of J Hus and his world and that’s what adds to the fascination of Beautiful And Brutal Yard. They play equal roles to both sides of the coin. J Hus strives for a new level of fearlessness as he raps about his brute upbringing on “Come Look” over haunting production that sprays a dark overcast over him. In this same sense, the rapper’s daring approach to a woman he desires on “Safa Kara” is the epitome of fearless. Take your pick at lines like “Call me daddy, that’s an ego booster / Call me papa, come have me for supper,” as proof of it.

For the beauty of it all, he stares in deep admiration at an out-of-this-world woman on “Alien Girl” and aims to charm another one with risque solar system metaphors like “Take you somewhere no one can see / We go to Uranus” and “Put on a sex tune while I sex you in Neptune / This comes around only once in a blue moon.” The same charm is applied to “It’s Crazy” where he raps in sarcastic disbelief at his ability to effortlessly take down his perpetrators.

This duality is what makes Beautiful And Brutal Yard so enjoyable. With an album that fires off 19 songs across 63 minutes, enough has to be done to keep listeners interested and locked in, and J Hus accomplishes this pretty effortlessly. The early parts of the album supply infectious production and catchy hooks for records (“Who Told You” and “Militerian”) that will find as much trouble excelling in summer as day parties and tequila do. It’s within the same album that J Hus also taps in drill rap (“Cream”), introspective rap (“Playing Chess & “Come Look”), Rap&B (“My Baby”), and melodic rap (“Alien Girl”). In most cases, this would make for a disjointed album, but not for J Hus. He achieves cohesivity thanks to maintaining an authoritative tone that maintains his sinister even on its brightest days.

J Hus not only accepts the villain role on Beautiful And Brutal Yard, he fully embraces it in an attempt to take it to a newer and dark level. With that, the album leaves us with a clear image of the rapper: seated on his throne with a grimacing smile as he readjusts his crown and twirls his staff, daring anyone to take him down successfully. The album’s opening record “Intro (The Goat)” is a perfect example of this. Though it’s a short verse that launches the album, it’s one that succinctly captures J Hus’ villainous ways. “If I got my nose in your business, you know it’s a snub,” he fires off before concluding with, “My bredrin’s carryin’ ’cause I can’t afford to have it / But when it’s time for action, feel like I’m born to bang it.”

Stepping back from J Hus’ discography for a second, Beautiful And Brutal Yard is the latest offering from the British rap world that proves the genre is excelling across the pond without conforming to standards in the States. J Hus joins names like Dave, Stormzy, Central Cee, Headie One, and more who’ve made waves while staying true to themselves. It’s an observation worth noting as hip-hop, a genre that’s expanded in numerous ways since its start, crosses its 50th-anniversary mark this year. Even in this crowd, J Hus’ Beautiful And Brutal Yard stands out as a body of work that uses various sounds from the rapper’s cultural background, like afrobeats and afro-swing, as an ingredient to spice up and amplify his projects.

From a closer point of view, J Hus uses his third album to provide a vivid and detailed account of his roots and upbringing, giving equal attention to all that’s beautiful and brutal. This duality contributes to everything on the album: its sonic appeal, the thrill of J Hus’ narratives, and the rapper’s overall artistic vision. Furthermore, J Hus excels thanks to a bigger chip on his shoulder and the goal to go to all necessary lengths to prove himself, just as a villain would in their attempt to reign supreme in their beautiful and brutal yard.

Beautiful And Brutal Yard is out now via Black Butter Ltd. and Epic Records. Find out more information here.

Barack Obama’s Eclectic Summer 2023 Playlist Includes Hits From J Hus, Janelle Monáe, Rosalía, And More

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Barack Obama
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Say what you want about the former President; he’s got great taste. Barack Obama has shared his 2023 summer playlist and he’s been listening to some of fans’ favorite new artists this year in addition to a collection of classics. “Like I do every year, here are some songs I’ve been listening to this summer — a mix of old and new,” he wrote on Twitter. “Look forward to hearing what I’ve missed.”

It doesn’t seem like he’s missed much. While he’s been listening to a bunch of stuff you’d expected to hear from a “cool uncle” like Aretha Franklin’s “Dr. Feelgood (Love Is A Serious Business)” and Toots And The Maytals’ “Funky Kingston,” there are plenty of more recent standouts. Some examples include J Hus and Drake’s “Who Told You,” Janelle Monáe’s “Only Have Eyes 42,” and Rosalía and Rauw Alejandro’s “Vampiros.” Even Luke Combs’ cover of “Fast Car” is here, which… we’ll give Uncle Barry a pass for the nostalgia.

During a recent interview with Hassan Minhaj, Obama denied having help or taking shortcuts in building his legendary end-of-year lists. “People, they believe the books and the movies,” he said. “But the playlists, they somehow think — and this is mostly coming from young people like you — Somehow, y’all think you invented rock and roll. You invented hip-hop. And so the fact that my lists are pretty incredible, people seem to think, ‘Well, he must’ve had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut.’ No, man. It’s on my iPad right now!”

I mean, playing music from an iPad is pretty funny, but we certainly do appreciate the insights into his taste.

You can check out Obama’s Summer Playlist above.

J Hus And Naira Marley’s Enforcing ‘Militerian’ Video Highlights Their African Pride

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In just a matter of a few hours, British rapper J Hus’ third album Beautiful And Brutal Yard will finally be able to stream. The project is one that fans have been waiting for, especially after the success of his 2020 sophomore album Big Conspiracy. As a final treat before the album arrives, J Hus lets off one last single, “Militerian” with Nigerian singer Naira Marley, and it arrives with a brand new visual.

Together, J Hus and Naira Marley are a duo that looks to enforce their rule and live out their loyalties in the “Militerian” video. It begins with Marely performing the song’s hook in an all-white room backed by dancers. Next, J Hus, dressed in native wear from head to toe, steps into a room to meet with a group of individuals dressed in all black. From then on, we’re met with clips of African dancers and instrumentalists performing in the streets and Hus and Marely’s interactions with a group of women.

Beautiful And Brutal Yard will arrive with 19 songs and features from Drake, Burna Boy, Jorja Smith, CB, Villz, and Boss Belly, in addition to Naira Marley.

You can watch the video for “Militerian” above.

Beautiful And Brutal Yard is out 7/14 via Epic Records/Black Butter Ltd. Find out more information here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

J Hus’ New Album ‘Beautiful And Brutal Yard’: Everything We Know So Far

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J Hus 2023 London Stadium
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At the end of this week, British rapper J Hus will return with his third album Beautiful And Brutal Yard. The project is the rapper’s first full-length release since 2020’s Big Conspiracy, a project that fans of his were very excited to get their hands on at the time. Since then, J Hus’ releases have been limited with the most notable one coming through a feature on Burna Boy’s “Cloak & Dagger.” Now, the wait is (nearly) over as Beautiful And Brutal Yard is set to arrive in a couple of days. Let’s get you up to speed on everything to know about it.

Release Date

J Hus’ long-awaited third album Beautiful And Brutal Yard will be released on July 14, 2023, through Epic Records and Black Butter Ltd. You can pre-save and find out more information about it here.

Tracklist

The tracklist for Beautiful And Brutal Yard can be found below:

Here is the revised list of song titles in the requested format:

1. “Intro (THE GOAT)”
2. “Massacre”
3. “Who Told You” Feat. Drake
4. “Militerian” Feat. Naira Marley
5. “Palm Tree”
6. “Nice Body” Feat. Jorja Smith
7. “Masculine” Feat. Burna Boy
8. “Come Look”
9. “Cream” Feat. CB
10. “Comeback” Feat. Villz
11. “Alien Girl”
12. “Fresh Water/Safa Kara”
13. “My Baby”
14. “Problem Fixer”
15. “Killy” Feat. Popcaan
16. “It’s Crazy”
17. “Bim Bim”
18. “Come Gully Bun (Gambian President)” Feat. Boss Belly
19. “Playing Chess”

Features

Through the 19 songs on Beautiful And Brutal Yard, listeners will catch features from Drake, Burna Boy, Jorja Smith, CB, Villz, Boss Belly, Naira Marley, and THE GOAT.

Singles

J Hus released two singles ahead of Beautiful And Brutal Yard. The first was “It’s Crazy,” a solo effort that flashed his rap skills, while the second was “Who Told You” with Drake, a more upbeat record primed for the summer.

Artwork

The artwork for Beautiful And Brutal Yard can be seen below.

Tour

Later this fall, J Hus will embark on a tour throughout the UK and Ireland. The dates can be found below:

10/28/2023 — Dublin, IE @ 3Arena
10/30/2023 — Glasgow, UK @ OVO Hydro
11/01/2023 — Manchester, UK @ AO Arena
11/02/2023 — Birmingham, UK @ Utilita Arena
11/05/2023 — London, UK @ The O2
11/06/2023 — London, UK @ The O2

Beautiful And Brutal Yard is out 7/14 via Epic Records/Black Butter Ltd. Find out more information here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

J Hus’ 5 Best Songs, Ranked

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J Hus has finally announced the release date for his highly anticipated third studio album, Beautiful And Brutal Yard, due out on July 14. Beautiful And Brutal Yard contains Naira Marley, Jorja Smith, Burna Boy, Popcaan, as well as the previously released “Who Told You” featuring Drake. J Hus may be only 28 years old, but his music has proven to be influential on the UK scene and impactful on a global scale. The Afroswing subgenre that he helped pioneer propelled modern afrobeats into becoming one of the biggest sounds in pop music, completely reshaping the UK rap scene. 

One of the UK’s most versatile artists, J Hus’s albums combine an eclectic mix of genres, including afro swing, dancehall, hip hop, and UK garage. So far, there have been two singles from Beautiful and Brutal Yard: the pulsing “It’s Crazy” and the groovy “Who Told You.” Based on what we have heard so far, it is safe to assume that Hus’s new album will be varied and not at all disappointing.

To commemorate J Hus’s return and forthcoming release, we compiled a list ranking his top 5 best songs. Drawing from his two previous studio albums, which are both widely considered classics, the selections are ranked from least greatest to greatest. Take a look at the list below.

5. “Helicopter” feat. iceé tgm (2020)

“Helicopter” is one of many highlights from J Hus’s previous album, 2020’s Big Conspiracy. The song ominously builds into a TSB-produced blend of hip-hop and afrobeats. In the lyrics, Hus paints vivid images of feds in a helicopter. He even gets metaphorical when he raps, “I’ve seen pigs fly but I’ve never seen a unicorn.” The minimal production of “Helicopter” goes along with the depictions in the song’s content. Iceé tgm, J Hus’s sister who also appears on Big Conspiracy’s title track, dazzles with a catchy chorus.

4. “Deeper Than Rap” (2020)

“Deeper Than Rap” is possibly J Hus’s best rap performance ever. He may be known for his melodic Afroswing anthems and catchy road raps, but this song sees him being more vulnerable than ever. Over a soothing yet epic instrumental, J Hus is at his most introspective as he reflects on his time in prison. He also speaks to subjects of systemic racism, colorism, and his own internal struggles.

3. “Play Play” feat. Burna Boy (2020)

J Hus and Burna Boy have collaborated numerous times, including on “Good Time,” “Sekkle Down,” and “Cloak & Dagger.” While they have a history of making a banger every time they link, “Play Play” is easily their greatest collaboration. It may be more relaxed than their previous tracks, but the song’s slow rhythm plays to both of their strengths. 

Over a Jae5-produced beat that feels like summer, Burna Boy provides his catchy choruses that never fail to get stuck in one’s head. In his verses, J Hus weaves in metaphors that allude to weapons in a sexual manner, a concept that Burna Boy also sticks to. It makes for clever wordplay and results in an irresistible hit. Songs like this set high hopes for J Hus and Burna Boy’s forthcoming collaboration. “Play Play” is one of the major hits from Big Conspiracy, currently certified gold and peaking at No. 7 on the UK R&B charts.

2. “Did You See” (2017)

“Did You See” is easily J Hus’s biggest hit and just might be the biggest song to come from the entire Afroswing movement. The simple yet bouncy rhythm established the chemistry between J Hus and Jae5. It allows Hus to shine with his wit and charisma. J Hus floats over the instrumental, rapping melodically about his effortless swag with unique slang. On the hook, he boasts, “Did you see what I done? Came in a black Benz, left in a white one.”

Almost every part of the song is catchy and is almost impossible not to dance or sing along to when it comes on. “Did You See” has become a UK classic and one of the most impactful songs of the Afroswing subgenre. It is an undeniable hit that remains J Hus’s biggest song to date, peaking at No. 9 on the overall UK charts. It is now certified 3x platinum.

1. “Common Sense” (2017)

“Common Sense” is the ultimate intro to J Hus’s debut album of the same name. Jae5 handles the vintage yet modern-sounding hip-hop beat that allows for J Hus to make his grand entrance. J Hus switches between rapping and singing, showing his versatility. He changes between flows, sounding hungrier than ever. While it may not be the signature melodic Afroswing sound that he is known for, “Common Sense” is still quintessentially J Hus. The bars are humorous and braggadocious. “Common Sense” introduced the world to J Hus’s unique rapping style and culture that has since taken over the UK. The song peaked at No. 12 on the UK R&B charts and is currently certified silver.

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The post J Hus’ 5 Best Songs, Ranked appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Drake Joins J Hus on New Single “Who Told You”

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Drake Joins J Hus on New Single "Who Told You"

The Boy is back. Drake drops off a new feature on the new single “Who Told You,” by British rapper J Hus. The new single shows that gangstas can also hit a two-step as Hus delivers “Who told you band man don’t dance, Who told you gangstas don’t dance,” on the hook. Drizzy doubles down in the trouble in his verse, all of which you can hear below.

The post Drake Joins J Hus on New Single “Who Told You” appeared first on The Source.