Hip-hop used to be a young man’s game. Back in the day, inexperienced MCs made a lot of waves, and also sold a lot of records.
But hip-hop is no longer a child, and neither are its biggest stars. Veteran rappers now pepper the hip hop landscape with knowledge and an actual story to tell.
With that in mind, two Canadian rap vets joined forces in 2006 to produce one hell of an album. Identity Crisis was born when J-Bru joined close friend Classified to make the most of some bad situations, and life is now very good for Canadian hip-hop fans.
It was almost four years since Canada was blessed with a new J-Bru album. And no one knows this more than J-Bru himself. But the last couple years have been very important ones for the man born Jason Bruce more than three decades ago. He says, with typical smile and deep bassy voice: “I went through a lot of things in making this album, depression, loss of friends, and more. I really dug deep and brought out some issues I never thought I could even tell my mom, and I tell my mom everything.”
After his first hit single, 2001’s The Fax…; J-Bru knew that he had to reach more ears than just those that were on the east coast. “I still have people asking me to do this song at shows when I am in the Maritimes,” he admits, “But I feel like I have progressed so much that that is a step down for me.”
After a stellar college basketball career, J-Bru met Classified through Spesh K and the rest is history. The two have worked together ever since, with Class producing most of J-Bru’s hit singles dating back to 2001. But, in 2006 they linked up in a deeper way. After they met in 1999, Bru and Class became immediate friends and road mates, and have been touring together ever since.
With his 2003 release Underground MC, Bru moved out of Class’ shadows a bit by producing most of his own album, showing Canada he could make it on his own. Then, after going through some rough times, Bru went to Class and asked for a helping hand in making Identity Crisis.
J-Bru’s fourth studio album succeeded for a lot of reasons, but Classified’s slick production is a major one. Three of Bru’s first four singles were Classified produced, and that is no mistake. “We both like things done a certain way so getting in his studio and banging out this album was a challenge at times, but in the end we got a more polished album.”
J-Bru is a new man on this album. Case in point is his self-reflective “I Got A Secret,” which was produced by Classified. “It’s a tough thing to do, putting yourself out there like that,” he explains. “It’s about my battles with depression and briefly touches on some sexual abuse I suffered as a small child.” Far from a quick studio session, Bru recalls: “Class understood that it took a lot for me to rap those lyrics in the studio that day.”
Another track that was tough to record was J-Bru’s third single (self produced) “It’s Rainin” featuring Jordan Croucher. The song is about Bru’s best friend Kris Hegan, who committed suicide in 1998. “I have never been able to perform that song live. I get at least three or four people per show ask me about that track, but it is still too hard to do right now.”
J-Bru also collabs with two artists who he has looked up to since he started taking rap seriously. On “Put My Work In”, Bru brings a slick verse to try and match the veteran presence of White Mic and Classified. “Class is a good friend of mine. White Mic is too, I had Mic on my last album too, it is an honor to work with the guy.”
Also on the collab tip is “What R We Doin,” with a sick beat by Classified, featuring Eternia on the mic as well as Bru stating his usual disdain for weak hip hop. “We’re just speaking some real hip-hop.”
But before you start thinking that J-Bru has forgotten how to keep his original fans happy, take a look at the album’s first two singles, both produced by Classified. First was “Makin People Say,” an ode to the golden era of hip hop.
With a banger of a beat, teamed with a catchy chorus, “Makin People Say” shows Bru’s in-your-face style. From St. John’s to Victoria, Bru has the whole country screaming “Ohh Ahh”.
And Identity Crisis’ second single was a smash hit for J-Bru, bringing him to a whole new audience. Another Class production, “Help! I Been Robbed” also featured Halifax rap veterans Ghettosocks and Jay Bizzy. “I love that one right there,” Bru says, proud of the resumes of all three parties involved. “It’s brought me much success.” With the track getting J-Bru an ECMA nomination for Best Rap Single along with getting the most video play of any of his three videos. Even six months after the videos release, “Help! I Been Robbed” is still winning the voter-produced show Punch Much.
Although Classified is looked at as the primary producer (he got an Associate Producer credit on the album), J-Bru continues his track record of producing fresh-sounding music. The most notable tracks Bru produced were “It’s Rainin”, “I Love U Ma”, a dedication to the rock in J-Bru’s life, his mother, “Ghetto Life”, a look at Bru’s humble beginnings, “Things Ain’t The Same”, a track about the sad state of hip hop, “Underground MC Pt. 2” and “It Doesn’t Matter”, a salute to J-Bru’s girlfriend who has stuck with him through a lot of tough times and continues to be there. “I want this record to be a success because of me. Even though Class’ tracks are the big hits, I feel as though I really brought it as far as production goes. I always bring new things to the table.”
All in all, Identity Crisis is about great music, not just Bru’s ups and downs. J-Bru has always stepped his game up with each album and this one is no exception. He says, with his signature sly smile: “It was time the world heard my story, and that is what makes the album dope to me.”
A couple years back Bru needed a change in his life. A change is what he did, starting Bru-Print Entertainment. “I have my own company now, I have artists I am working with, it feels great.”
With albums to work on, a documentary to direct and produce and voice work to be done, Bru is a busy man. Ask his girlfriend! Bru-Print has brought him a lot of opportunities but he still stays loyal to Class and the crew.
His next album, The Jason LP will be released on Bru-Print/Half-Life and features some smash hits that Bru feels will bring him to a higher level of fame in Canada and abroad.
Career Highlights: ECMA Nomination for ‘Urban Song of the Year 2008’, ‘Rap Single of the Year 2008’ and ‘Urban Song of the Year 2003’. ‘Help! I Been Robbed’ won Punch Much four times in one week, 12 times total. ‘Champion’ was voted Song of the Month on www.garageband.com, as well; two of his songs have charted in the top 100 of 15,000 songs of all music genres on the site. Television appearances on Much East, Going Coastal, Much News, Global television and ATV as well as regular radio appearances on Halifax’s CKDU 88.1 FM. Shows since 1999 spanning from Nova Scotia, California, Utah, Texas, Maine, Vermont, Indiana, Ohio, New York, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec, B.C., Saskatchewan and Alberta.
J-Bru has opened for talents such as Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Cappadonna, The Game, Kardinal Offishall, Swollen Members, The Rascalz, Choclair, Jeleestone, Snow, Jully Black, Carl Henry, Checkmate, Mood Ruff, DL Incognito, Maestro and of course, Classified.
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ay man thanks for the add, i wrote a song almost simlar to "raining" only its more about losing Loved ones meaning, anyone u shared a bond with, bestfriends,family,girlfriend, u know its called "Never Thought", check it homie its pretty tight, peace much luv
whut is up bru??? new videos mos def hype buddy. last time u guys rolled threw london i ran into all u guys at wendys before the show. anyways jus came threw to show some love, check my page if u got time n let me know what ya think of the beats......
Hey, how are you? Just keepin' in touch. This comment is geared more towards the rap artists on my friends list. (Yes, I use a comment blaster to keep up with the 2200+ friends on my list. Lets see you do it without one lol.) So heres the deal. I just got fired from my job and lookin' to make some cash to get me over til I find a new job. All beats are $50. If you're not a rapper. Just swing by and cheer me up a little, let me know how you're doing.
Yo, My boy King Fly just turned me on to ya music. Shits real good bro for real. I think he let you listen to a track called "High Life" when yall met. I was on that track. Check out the page bro. And keep it up with ya music. People like us are the people that are gonna bring real hip hop back.
Big Ups J-Bru....You guys put on a real good show in Milton!!!! Hopefully Hamilton went just as well the next day.......Good luck on all your future endeavors.....Hopefully we keep in touch n can hustle some people in pool one day! Much Respect
RESPECT J-BRU.. SUM-01 HERE FROM THE LONDON SHOW.. GOT MAD LOVE FOR THE MOVEMENT AND THE MUSIC.. KEEP UP THE POSITIVE EFFORT AND WORK.. CHECKIN OUT THE BEATS RIGHT NOW.. EMAIL COMING SOON... :-)
Whats Crackin' Pimpin? LOL, I'm sorry. I'm bored at work and being hyper. Hows it going today? Same old over here. Work this, Work that, Blahzay blahzay. Lookin' for a new job until beat making picks up. Speaking of beat making why don't you check out the new ones I have up while you tell me about whats new with you. Talk to ya soon!
Hey!! How was your weekend? Crazy beat making weekend for me. Made a whole bunch of new ones. 2 of them made it up on my page if you want to check them out.
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