To Your Soul
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To Your Soul is the second studio album by American rapper and producer the Jaz, from New York, New York. It was released on July 16, 1990, via EMI USA.
Background
The album was recorded at D&D Studios, in New York City, New York, and was primarily produced by Jaz-O. The album also received production contributions from Prince Paul, Vandy C, and Chad Elliott. Jay-Z appears on two tracks. Despite the album not reaching the Billboard charts, its two singles, "The Originators" and "A Groove (This Is What U Rap 2)," peaked at No. 13 and No. 18, respectively, on the Hot Rap Songs chart.
Critical reception
Joshua Clover, in his book 1989: Bob Dylan Didn’t Have This to Sing About, called the album "vital, serious, deeply musical, with playful lyrics that come at varying speeds, sometimes blunt and heavy on the beat, sometimes syncopated and sudden, looking for a way to slip past any defense."
Track listing
All tracks are written by the Jaz, except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Put the Squeeze on 'Em" | The Jaz | 3:52 | |
| 2. | "It's That Simple" (featuring Jay-Z) | The JazJay-Z | Prince Paul | 4:14 |
| 3. | "A Groove (This Is What U Rap 2)" | Chad ElliottThe Jaz | 3:53 | |
| 4. | "Abnormal" | Prince Paul | 3:25 | |
| 5. | "Ease Up Jaz" | Vandy C | 3:56 | |
| 6. | "I'll Smoke You" | Chad ElliottThe Jaz | 3:53 | |
| 7. | "Doped Up" | The Jaz | 4:53 | |
| 8. | "To Your Soul" | Vandy C | 4:08 | |
| 9. | "Flag of the Mahdi" | The JazChad Elliott | Chad ElliottThe Jaz | 2:22 |
| 10. | "A Nation Divided" | The Jaz | 4:32 | |
| 11. | "Why?" | Vandy C | 4:28 | |
| 12. | "Black Man in Charge" | Chad ElliottThe Jaz | 2:57 | |
| 13. | "The Originators" (featuring Jay-Z) | The JazJay-Z | The Jaz | 4:14 |
| 14. | "Not Shoutin' Out" | The Jaz | 1:07 | |
| Total length: | 51:54 |
Personnel
- Jonathan Burks – main performer, producer (tracks: 1, 3, 6–7, 9–10, 12–14)
- Shawn Corey Carter – featured performer (tracks: 2, 13)
- Chad "Dr. Cuess" Elliott – producer (tracks: 3, 6, 9, 12)
- Vandy Colter – producer (tracks: 5, 8, 11), engineering
- Paul Edward Huston – producer (tracks: 2, 4)
- Dwayne Alexander – executive producer
- Gary Clugston – engineering
- Kieran Walsh – engineering
- Mike Rogers – engineering
- Herb Powers Jr. – mastering
- Henry Marquez – art direction
- Lu Ann Graffeo – design
- Jeffrey Scales – photography
Charts
Singles
| Year | Song | Peak positions |
|---|---|---|
| US Rap | ||
| 1990 | "The Originators" | 13 |
| 1991 | "A Groove (This Is What U Rap 2)" | 18 |
External links
- at Discogs (list of releases)