Jay Worthy, the emcee born in Vancouver and raised in Compton, makes himself heard again with his sixth full-length LP. This guy came on my radar in 2017 when he collaborated with The Alchemist on a really dope EP called *Fantasy Island*. After that, he certainly hasn't been idle. From six EPs to a banging collab with Larry June called *2 P'z in a Pod* (even though the deal with Griselda Records to release it fell through for unknown reasons), Jay Worthy continues to salt the scene. With an album like *You Take the Credit, We'll Take the Check*, produced by Harry Fraud, and then *What They Hittin’ 4*, dropped with DJ Muggs, he's earned his spot. And who doesn't remember Roc Marciano's colorful *Nothing Bigger Than the Program* or the funky *Magic Hour* produced by DāM-FunK? Then last fall there was *The Tonite Show 2*, created entirely with DJ Fresh. Now, almost a year later, Worthy drops *Once Upon a Time* with Disc 1 already keeping us sweet, while Disc 2 is forthcoming.
The intro “Beginning” sets the tone right away, then “‘96 Big Body” starts off nice and smooth with an instrumental that takes you back to those days in his ‘90s Big Body. Then comes “The Only 1” featuring Kamaiyah, over a Mobb vibe from Cardo, letting you know he's not the only pimp in the scene. “For the Homies,” produced by DJ Quik, is a loving salute to all the homies who are no longer around, and the upbeat g-funk number “Rekkless” takes us back to his rebellious youth.
With “Open Minded,” you hear a Neptunes-like touch, in which Jay praises his girl for her open mindset. On “From the Jump,” featuring such greats as E-40, Jim Jones and Wiz Khalifa, the crew talks about their years of hustle. On “Dark Tints,” featuring 03 Greedo on a drumless track by Conductor Williams, Jay lets it be known that he has no intention of stopping. “Famous Players” throws in another big dollop of salt as Jay goes into his pimp mode.
“Tides” brings Jay Worthy on a summer beat without drums, busy dreaming about a chick he doesn't even know. Then you get “Bellagio,” where he teams up with Conway The Machine to let his music shine like on an expensive Vegas strip. “Choosing Shoes” featuring Boldy James also stays nice and drumless as they bring the gangsta lifestyle to life. “2P'z” recaptures that magic along with Larry June, slowed down admittedly, but just as salty as their earlier work.
Toward the end of Disc 1, songs like “True Story” featuring Ty$ bring a real dose of reality to a piano track. The closing track “The Outcome” featuring a team of toppers-Ab-Soul, Dave East, and Westside Gunn-tracks us on a four and a half minute barfest. With a sample-heavy beat from The Alchemist, this track gives exactly that moment of reflection you want.
Disc 2 of *Once Upon a Time* is still some time away, so it's a bit early to pass judgment on the complete album. However, Disc 1 already has promising vibes and guest appearances, and it tastes like more! Have your salt shaker ready, because this guy keeps us on our toes. Stay connected in your inbox for exclusive salty content, news and events.
#hhz #houhet salt #hiphop #jayworthy #onceuponatime
