It’s a victory lap for Arizona-based rapper, songwriter, and artist JASESAW on “I WAS THERE I AM HERE NOW” as the Fresno, CA native literally and metaphorically talks about bouncing back in life. The very reality of life means that sometime somewhere, you will mess up and find yourself in a very undesirable situation where maybe you feel that you cannot or don’t deserve absolution. You can even hit the very abyss that is rock-bottom and feel like there is no way up for you, but that’s not always the case. The deep message in this hip-hop and rap-flavored body of work is that there is always hope for anybody and everybody; no matter who they are or what they have done!
JASESAW’s flow is unmistakably unique, and his delivery is world-class. He is a shapeshifter of sorts, adapting to any beat or flow and changing his vocals incredibly—sometimes you get the melodic, half-singing, half-rapping type, other times the processed, druggy, and hazy vocals. Whatever the case, he always brings his A-game to the table.
Where were we? Oh, Like I was saying, “I WAS THERE I AM HERE NOW” is perfectly encapsulated in its own title…like you were there, now you are here. See? There is a difference and a change, and that is all that matters.
The opener, “STILL A USER” features a driving contemporary beat that sees JASESAW swing with both hands, metaphorically captivating with his command of language as the catchy hooks create an anthemic persona that wraps around its listener like a warm embrace.
“DRUGS, SEX, MONEY” has a nice ring to it and speaks of the struggles that almost everyone can relate to. In reality, these are the three evils that have been the end of so many of us but we still continue chasing them with implausible optimism. And who can blame anyone? Everyone wants a good life, right? But at what cost?
“NIGGAZ IN MEXICO” sees JASESAW dive into the hugely controversial issues of illegal immigration, especially through Arizona. The news-cut interludes as well as his inquisitive and well expressed verses say all that needs saying.
The collabo with Juicy J “THE BUSINESS” is blatantly explicit. It’s a bold and clear-cut track that embraces sexual desire with unfiltered candor.
The last jam, “WHY LOOK BACK,” is a personal favorite and sees JASESAW tag along with phenomenal vocalist Breana Marin and the exceptional gifted rapper and producer Jinxed. The end result is an extensive tune that cuts across R&B, hip-hop, and rock with inventive flair. Those electric riffs are a thing of beauty!
“I WAS THERE I AM HERE” is here; – enjoy!