A strong start to a brilliant album
Dale Maplethorpe
13:15 26th January 2023

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Jay Cue has recently released a new album ‘Finish Strong,’ which has a lead single and opening track of the same name. It’s 12 tracks of authentic hip-hop which starts strong with the opening single and continues on a similar trajectory.

“Finish Strong is an album dedicated to my late friend and group-mate Andrew McCloud, affectionately known as Cloud,” says Jay, “the general message of the album is to carry on the mission for the loved ones who are no longer with us.” This is reflected entirely in the track ‘Finish Strong,’ which repeats throughout, “I gotta finish strong.”

There is no escaping that this is a good hip hop track. Firstly, the production is outstanding. Jay was recently highlighted by Complex as one of the 25 New Producers To Watch For and his skills are on full display throughout this song. As soon as the track starts, we’re punched in the face with a heavy subby vocal before quickly having ice applied by trickling keys in the background. It’s a beat that gets things off to a good start and Jay rides it like it’s his birth right.

His flow and lyricism are fantastic, although, there are some issues with the song, namely the hook. Granted, when you hear about the message behind the album and Jay’s want to stay strong, it makes sense, but all in all it’s bland and unnecessary. When you have an ability to write and rap like he does, to top off the intricacy in verses with a hook that’s just been put in because a song needs a hook, it breaks up the whole flow of the song.

Jay Cue is starting strong on ‘Finish Strong’. His production and lyricism are a treat for any fans of authentic hip hop.

You can stream the entire album now

 

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