JC Poppe "Tea Party"

There are 3 things that are similiar about "Shadowlands" and "Tea Party": released January 24th, JC Poppe, and quality. Besides that the albums are very different, where "Shadowlands" is VERY personal, "Tea Party" focuses more on politics (country, personal, moral, business). In other words, this is not a double album, but two albums that just happen to be released on the same date. Ok, now that that is straightened out let's get into "Tea Party"

The purpose and concept of the album hits you right in the face in the aptly titled "Intro." Coming in at just under a minute thirty, JC Poppe fills the track with just what he is doing on this album, he is making his album, his way filled with the world as he see it and "if you want bling, blunts, bitches, booze and all that go find another album filled up with rap."

Sick of all the what he has seen in the political arena in the past few years, Poppe has noticed things aren't going to change if we sit on our hands, "RIOTS" chorus informs us "If you can't take it any more, then you need to riot, the cops are out of bounds, then you know you need to riot, declare your independence, and you better bring a riot, things will you only change, if we break them with a riot." The revolutionary spirit continues with the track that borrows its name from the "Terminator" series star "Johnny Connor" ready to lead into the new era where the emotionless robot government dissipates and humanity is brought back into the world.

The next two track are in my opinion the best on the album beginning with what is probably the most "catchy" song: "Audio." Now don't get catchy confused with pop or think it has no lyrical content including shouts outs to Landon Donovan and Eric B & Rakim (bonus points). Check it out at the bottom of the page.

The upbeat "Audio" is followed by the hard-hitting "Red White & Blue" that puts the "religious right" on blast for all the hatred (whether against race, religion, sexual orientation and more) they spew while claiming to be Christians and as Poppe says so well, "that high horse you're on, I call it blasphemy." It reminds us that just because we are Americans does not mean we can do whatever we want and that goes for everyone from the politicians to the everyday citizen, there are consequences no matter what.

JC Poppe follows these tracks with "Get It In" featuring Chaundron, Speak Easy and Raze. It's along the lines of the we know what we are doing in this rap game song but without the typical over exaggeration and makes sure to bring dope lyrics. "Middle Class Reality" displays Poppe's ability to tell a story in a song, this time about a "good middle class kid" who sells prescription drugs as a way to get money. A story we often hear about on the news but this time shows the struggle of the kid and just why did he do it.

88-Keys handles the production on "Dribble," a track that calls out those trying to enter the rap game with no talent whatever but what impresses me about this track is the sound. Poppe switches up his cadence and it really does feel and sound like "it's a new school throwback for the old Gs" The fun continues with the funk-filled "Mess Around" featuring A.P.R.I.M.E. and Raze. Dylan Thomas supplies a beat that will make you fiend for that old g-funk sound.

The album ends with JC Poppe showing love to his home city with the posse track "Milwaukee UP" featuring SPEAK Easy, Logic (of The Hollowz), DNA, Dana Coppafeel, Raze, Shemp, and A.P.R.I.M.E. It gives you a great feel for the Milwaukee sound and the talent that is coming out of the city right now.

"Tea Party" is a solid album by JC Poppe with great production as well as lyrical content, covering a range of topics and styles. But what "Tea Party" really makes me wonder is why would a record label say they "outgrew" JC Poppe, with two very good albums being released on the same day. So JC Poppe keep doing your thing whether you have a label or not because you have the skills do prosper.


JC Poppe: Audio by djjazzpants

You can stream and buy the album here or get the CD here (includes "Shadowlands")