Jahshua Smith

In an industry where momentum can carry you just as far as talent, Jahshua Smith has been dropping mixtapes at steady intervals since 2010. The latest installment of his discography, The Final Season, is a transition project into a new era for the emcee. Rhyming under the name JYoung the General for the earlier part of his career, Jahshua reverts back to his given name for this release. This return coincides with the expansion of concepts within his catalogue. Using his experiences in his native Detroit as the script, Jahshua constructs a layered mixtape, loosely guised as a television series. - TheRedefined.com

Late last week nerdy TV lovers mourned the demise of critically adored yet underappreciated sitcom 30 Rock. Like the Emmy-toting NBC show, Detroit rapper Jahshua Smith's "Final Season" was its seventh. No, Smith isn't a Tina Fey-type character on a sitcom, but his StewRat-produced debut album uses an extended metaphor, plotting his seven-year journey with his crew the BLAT! Pack as a television series, using skits, not unlike Little Brother's 2005 classic "The Mistrel Show," to piece together a loose narrative.

Smith is one of many talented up-and-comers from the Detroit scene that heads should keep an eye on. With a distinctive voice, sharp flows and potent lyrics, he has all the makings of a great emcee. "The Final Season" has a perfect blend of introspective, dark and sometimes political raps, and some less serious, fun tracks. After the album's flawless intro "Seven-Year Itch," which brings listeners up to speed on Smith's career and mission as an emcee, he takes a dark turn with "The Ghost of Medgar Evers." "Evers" is one of StewRat's darker productions on the record with swooping synthesizers and Smith recites some "Life After Death"-era Biggie lyrics. One of the more charming moments of "The Final Season" is at the end of "Evers" where the show's writers complain about starting the album off on such a dark note. They ask Smith to make something for the ladies, and he responds begrudgingly with "Butt/ Don't Hold Back." "Butt" may be Smith pandering to women to boost his fictional show's ratings, but the track is both clever and a banger that appeals to mainstream crowds.

Jahshua Smith's best moments on "The Final Season" is when he tackles some more serious subject matter. He discussed gun control on "The Conversation" with lines like "if death is cancer, then the streets the tumor." Smith finds himself getting political again on lead single "-CENSORED-." And BLAT! Pack crewmates Red Pill and Jae Musick join Smith for "Changes," where the three talk about betrayal over StewRat's most eerie beat with a haunting vocal sample on the hook. But these dark moments are nicely balanced out with lighter tracks like the bouncy "Ride Tonight" and the clever braggadocio of "Off the Couch" and "Carry On/ The Ark."

Along with Red Pill & Hir-O's "The Kick," Jahshua Smith and the BLAT! Pack are responsible with two of 2013's best and most exciting albums. While 30 Rock's final season marks the end of an era of phenomenal television, Smith's "Final Season" marks the exciting start of a new era of great Detroit hip hop. - RapReviews.com

JYoung the General has been steady earning accolades from some of Hip Hop's finest publications, including DX's DXNext section. Now, the Detroit emcee is debuting his new name and giving fans a look at his new single.

According to a recent press release, JYoung the General has officially changed his rap pseudonym to his government name Jahshua Smith. He is also prepping the release of next single "Butt," off his forthcoming LP The Final Season.

“The name change represents the ability to get people more in tune with me as an individual, and the music I make,” said Smith of his name change. “JYoung represents a part of me, but Jahshua Smith is who I am to the fullest. People will find the music familiar and catch on fast. It was time for a change.” - HipHopDX.com

"Underground vet Kosha Dillz opened up and was followed by a passionate showing from Detroit’s JYoung The General." - MTV RapFix

Detroit native JYoung The General makes it his focus to kick music with a message that will help to energize and uplift his community…[more on website] - XXL Magazine

*Excerpt*

Finding Balance In Subject Matter: “I remember one of the main balances that I loved about the game when I was younger was that I could listen to the radio and hear something like ‘Ain’t No Nigga’ by Jay-Z but I could also hear ‘Sugar Hill’ by AZ. Same region, same type of sound but two different subjects. Or even a song like ‘T.R.O.Y.’ [by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth] could be on the Billboard Hot 100 versus the Rap that you hear on the Hot 100 now. So there’s a lot of things missing in Rap but really it’s not that it’s missing, it’s just not represented in the upper echelon of mainstream music anymore. If I were to listen to the radio, the closest thing I would get to thought-provoking music is actually a guy like Drake who takes everyday life and put’s it in a different perspective. But he’s not known as an activist or anything, and you don’t even have a Nas anymore to make songs that people are familiar with from that breed.” - HipHopDX.com

*Excerpt*

Finding Balance In Subject Matter: “I remember one of the main balances that I loved about the game when I was younger was that I could listen to the radio and hear something like ‘Ain’t No Nigga’ by Jay-Z but I could also hear ‘Sugar Hill’ by AZ. Same region, same type of sound but two different subjects. Or even a song like ‘T.R.O.Y.’ [by Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth] could be on the Billboard Hot 100 versus the Rap that you hear on the Hot 100 now. So there’s a lot of things missing in Rap but really it’s not that it’s missing, it’s just not represented in the upper echelon of mainstream music anymore. If I were to listen to the radio, the closest thing I would get to thought-provoking music is actually a guy like Drake who takes everyday life and put’s it in a different perspective. But he’s not known as an activist or anything, and you don’t even have a Nas anymore to make songs that people are familiar with from that breed.” - HipHopDX.com

For those who feel that hip-hop needs to be more "conscious," JYoung will make you feel like things are headed in the right direction. On BHY2, he explores the things he feels most passionately about: pan-Africanism, at-risk youth, the Black Panther Party and gentrification. Combined with the efforts of beat mastermind Nick Speed, and you've got an album that'll stimulate your body, mind and soul. - Real Detroit Weekly

Simple fact: There's no shortage of ignorance in much of today's popular rap. True fans of can argue the point all night, but we know what we hear. That's a big part of why it's refreshing to see 25-year-old social worker and emcee JYoung the General (born Jahshua Smith) release a series of EPs that focus on giving up deeper meanings. No, this ain't rappin' arithmetic stuff to help you learn your times tables. JYoung's aiming to reshape people's thoughts on black history and why it shouldn't be relegated to a month-long attraction. His new EP, Black History Year: Installment Two, released last week, is didactic enough to sprinkle knowledge about the colors of the Pan African flag, the Black Panther Party, and explaining who Harriet Jacobs was, yet with help from Detroit producer Nick Speed, the songs contain beats and samples that make for a fun ride. As a graduate of Bates Academy and Renaissance High School, chances are he'd already learned more than a few things about black history as a kid, but he's encouraging folks to dig deeper. JYoung recently checked in with the MT about creating the EP.

Metro Times: Can you talk about the process of releasing this project?

JYoung the General: The whole purpose of black history year versus black month is to let people know you can learn anything related to black history whenever you open a book — and that's an all-year concept. We wanted it to be effective no matter whenever we did it.

MT: Does creating such an EP make you a militant emcee?

JYoung: Umm, I've always preferred being more militant ... although I think there's a negative aspect with any categorization in rap. I've always had liberal views and I let people know that I'm passionate. If I call myself a general and then get offended when someone calls me militant, that wouldn't make sense.

MT: Any favorite militant groups or artists in any genre?

JYoung: I've always respected Lupe [Fiasco]. I do like Dead Prez, I do, but you have to make relatable music. Lupe puts things as a conscious emcee where folks can understand it. System of a Down is a good one as well. I'd say Marvin Gaye too. I always felt he had that vibe, especially to come out with What's Going On? But that makes you ask, what is militancy though? If it enables people to want to be involved in what's happening in their community, that's militant.

MT: What's your fave EP track?

JYoung: I think "Slaves (the House vs. the Field)" featuring P.H.I.L.T.H.Y reverberates most with me. He was the one who envisioned the project with me. We bounce concepts off each other constantly. I wanted to tell the perspective of a field worker versus a house slave because history has separated the two. They're two different types of slavery. There's a lot of pain and emotion on there. We came up with the song together, wrote it together, I knew what sample I wanted Nick Speed to use, so I'd say that's probably one of the strongest songs in my career.

MT: What's the main thing you want listeners to take away after listening?

JYoung: I want people to realize that studying black history shouldn't be limited to black people. There are so many raw attitudes about race in this country. This is a chance for everyone to learn more.

Download Black History Year: Installment Two at tinyurl.com/Jyoungthegeneral. - Detroit Metro Times

These days the general public is well used to mass media outlets cramming their dose of "Black History" into the year's shortest month, but Michigan rapper JYoung the General obeys no calendar's restrictions when it comes to celebrating and educating on his heritage and culture. "Black History Year: Installment Two" is a fine EP that finds a deft MC with a cause.

"The Re-Education of the Negro" opens the EP in grand fashion, chronicling his own education of African-American history and pointing out the shortcomings and disparities he saw before college, then shouting out everybody from Langston Hughes to Alice Walker, hoping listeners will "burn everything they learned in their textbooks":

"I sat up reading in social studies class
The formulaic way we used to learn our past
I used to ask, 'Teach
Why we only learn about civil rights, slavery, and Martin's speech?'
My ancestors came from kingdoms in the motherland
Noble civilians, so it's hard for me to understand
The way that's all forgotten, stripped to a lesser size
In favor of a portrait more westernized"

In an effective and well-versed argument, JYoung discusses how primary education only tells half the story of black history, ignoring key artists and revolutionaries as well as factors and circumstances that led to landmark events. Perhaps what's most impressive is that he doesn't come off as preachy, angry, or bitter, but simply as an educated guy who's been there and sees a better way. "Panthers" features standout performances from Mae Day, J.A.E., and Michigan luminary One Be Lo yet maintains the inspired focus of the album's concept, calling for justice over a beat that sounds like it came from a Binary Star album. JYoung also shines on the intensely personal "Letter to My Mother," a particularly soulful number backed by soaring violins courtesy of producer KuroiOto and strong female vocals from Yellokake.

Nick Speed produces seven of the eight tracks on "Black History Year: Installment Two," and soul instrumentation is the name of the game. However, he injects some subtle African sounds via the percussion and interludes to evoke the EP's theme musically. Buff1 and T. Calmese appear on "Red, Black, and Green," and on the excellent "Gentrified State of Mind," JYoung and Red Pill tackle the evils of urban gentrification. On the startling and clever closer "Slaves (The House Vs. the Field)," JYoung is joined by P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. as the two rappers assume the perspectives of two American slaves. The depth and conviction they inject into their characters is truly stunning and in fact exceeds any of the somewhat similar concepts on Nas' "Untitled" record.

There's no doubt that some reading this think Afrocentricity in rap went out with the Native Tongues, but when presented in a manner this creative and intelligent, don't be surprised if we see a renaissance. Positive, appealing music is always in style, and JYoung follows in the tradition of B.D.P. by providing real "Edutainment" on "Black History Year: Installment Two," a delightful EP that's somewhat nostalgic yet undeniably fresh. JYoung the General sports technical excellence, effective concepts, lyrical inspiration, a boatload of wholesome black pride, and a literacy exceeding a few of my own English professors on an EP that's somewhat nostalgic yet undeniably new.

Music Vibes: 7 of 10 Lyric Vibes: 8 of 10 TOTAL Vibes: 7.5 of 10 - RapReviews.com

Detroit-born but Lansing-based artist JYoung the General just released a new project yesterday that should gain a decent sized buzz if for no other reason than the title alone. It’s called Black History Year: Installment Two and is an eight song EP focusing on bringing unique awareness around lesser known aspects of black history. He’s released one of these before and this volume reflects where his thoughts are progressing and shows what kind of books he’s been studying up at Michigan State lately.

It’s a dynamic concept that in essence works as edutainment for youth and adults ready to learn more about the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, Pan Africanism, and more. To some, that could be edgy, and makes you think about what the reaction would be like if this were a white artist dropping EPs about militant white history, but then again, Kid Rock’s already got that angle covered.

The always nifty Detroit beat-maker Nick Speed, who you’ll also hear in our “download of the week” section, handles all of the production and other Michigan artists like T Calmese, One Be Lo, Buff 1 make appearances on tracks. - Detroit Metro Times

JYoung the General knows good hip-hop music is more than catchy beats and clever rhymes.

It involves smart, carefully placed social commentary - lyrics that get you to move in the club, but also make you think differently about the world around you.

On "Black History Year: Installment Two," the Lansing-based rapper does just that - brings together sociopolitical, very aware commentary with hot, steady, flowing beats. The combo is simply dynamite.

The album, which was released as a free download this week, is an extension of JYoung's personal experiences.

"My music is an extension of the things I learn," JYoung says. "After so long rapping about the experiences of my adolescence, I knew that speaking on the things I learned in college would balance out my arsenal."

JYoung started his musical journey working for Dramasetters Productions, known for its work with Harlem rap group The Diplomats. He went on to solo emcee, dropping his 2006 debut, "The Megaman Mixtape."

The album brought about such a buzz, Universal Records came knocking. But JYoung, a true scholar, turned down the deal to finish his time in college at Michigan State University.

"Turning down that deal was a tough decision, especially with the momentum I had built up," JYoung said. "But I knew that things would work out the way they needed to."

So he graduated from MSU, kept rapping out in mid-Michigan and co-founded BLAT! Pack (BLATpack.com), a Michigan collective of music professionals, with fellow Lansing emcee P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. He also took on a day job as a residential counselor, helping at-risk youth in the area.

Pretty soon, opportunity came knocking again. Last year, he teamed with DangerousNEGRO Apparel and Nick Speed - Detroit producer of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records - and released a new album, "Black History Year: Installment One."

The sequel, of course, is just as motivated. With Michigan hip-hop voices on several tracks (OneBeLo, MaeDay, Buff1, T. Calmese), it plays like a musical mashup of friends, colleagues and entertainers making music to truly challenge a generation.

" 'Black History Year' is structured to give a nod to the history that I choose to never forget," JYoung said. "Much like history, the music should be not be forgotten. But I'm focused on what the future brings because this is only the blast off stage." - Lansing NOISE

Before the highly upheld release of Black History Year in February of 2010 I was already of fan of one Jahshua Smith. His work with and outside of his collective BLAT! Pack is by far some of my favorite music coming out of Michigan. He walks and spits with a sense of genuine pride, confidence and dopeness that’s hard to find in our beloved art form these days. Just listening to his music will gain your respect simply because of his content. Nowadays its too easy to do what everyone else is doing but if you peeped the second half of his moniker, you know this dude is a leader. What better way to lead than to take the path less chosen and educate? Without further delay, allow me to introduce you to JYoung The General’s “Black History Year 2?.


In the case you missed BHY1 I highly encourage you to cop it before you proceed. #1 reason I’m saying that is, the sequel smashes its predecessor. In no way, shape or form am I saying part 1 is wack but there’s a pretty distinctive difference between the two. The best way to describe it is the transition from Freshman to Sophomore. You’re older, more confident, relaxed but more focused on your goal and trust me it shows. The very first (and familiar) sound you hear as the album starts let’s you know what time it is. From there it continues to evolve into what I honestly believe many will uphold as one of the greatest albums released this year and just from the Mitten.


Once again at the helm for most of the production is the homie Nick Speed. And to be very honest I found myself looking at the credits every time a new song came on making sure it was him. Even he stepped his game up this time around! And also shouts out to Kuroioto for providing heat as well. You can hear more of his production on the upcoming “Coolest Dude in Sunday School” by BLAT! Pack affiliate and BHY2 co-contributor P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.


Guest appearances are tricky. They can literally make or break a song. Fortunately whatever forces that guided JYoung to make the choices he made were good. The Amature helps open the album on The “Re-Education of the Negro”, which I might add is great introduction to the album. Next OneBeLo, MaeDay & J.A.E. were summoned for the lead single “Panthers” and boy do they deliever! On “Letter to my Mother”, the lovely Yellokake provides some beautiful vocals to his thoroughly heartfelt lyrics. Shortly after The General is joined by T. Calmese and Buff 1 on “Red, Black & Green” and wait til you hear this one! Next he collabs with one another one of my favorite upcoming emcees Red Pill on “Gentrified”. Then lastly the perfect ending to a project of this type with the aforementioned P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. on “Slaves”.


Bottom line, you need this album in your life. Its a damn great album that through all of the BS JYoung and his management crew went through to get it done, I’m not only happy to see it out and I’m truly thankful that it exceed all my expectations. Cop both editions below and as always, Enjoy! - NeiRecords.com

Earlier today, we presented to you the new EP from Michigan emcee JYoung The General. Now it’s time to put him in the spotlight. Hit the jump to get to know JYoung…

Where you reppin?

Detroit aka the Motor-Motor Capital, where we motor for capital.

Introduce yourself:

JYoung The General, Detroit emcee extraordinaire, fledgling rapper and superhero by night, college graduate and residential counselor for troubled youth by day.

Where did the name JYoung The General come from?

My AIM/AOL screen name is JYoungworld1203, which was derived from “Hey Young World” by Slick Rick. When it came time to choose a rap name it was either my government, Jahshua Smith (a la Kanye), or go with JYoung. When
it comes to names that tends to be the time where my brain is the least creative as it relates to music. The General comes from a diss track that stemmed from an old beef I had back in 06. I just look at hip-hop battles as a form of war so when I assumed that persona it stuck. It also says a lot about my role with my group BLAT! Pack (an artist collective I belong to), and how I function with other members.

Main musical inspirations:

My grandfather Maurice King, former music director of Motown, would be the biggest just because of his importance in helping maintain one of the most influential companies in our culture. It made me feel like my goal in the
realm of music was to have a similar impact in whatever field of music I chose to champion. Musically I get inspirations from artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, Tupac, and Nas.

When did you fall in love with hip hop?

It was when Illmatic came out. My sister had all the popular rap/hip-hop music of the early 1990s like NWA, Biggie Smalls, and Wu-Tang so I heard it a lot growing up. I was always a Jazz head though, and I was dead set on being a saxophonist when I grew up. My sister brought home Illmatic and it instantly hit me because of the fusion of Jazz and Spoken Word. It helped bring what Nas was saying to life, and I was impressed by what he could do lyrically. It was really the cornet solo by Olu Dara on “Life’s a Bitch” that did it though (as well as AZ’s verse).

Current projects we should be looking out for:

Black History Year Vol. 2, the second installment of the BHY trilogy, is out now.

Previous work that we should know about:

Along with the Black History Year series, I have a recent EP, Jahshua 1:6, available on my bandcamp. If you really want to dig deep as a JYoung fan and hear some old stuff, there’s always The Mega Man Mixtape I made back in 2006. It’s fun to me to hear the progression from back then to now.

If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?

I’m somewhere in the middle of “Inner City Blues” by Marvin Gaye and “Grown Simba” by J. Cole right now. (Yes, I cheated.) They represent where I feel I am in my career and what I work hard to represent every day I pick up a mic.

If you weren’t doing music, what would your occupation be?

Probably the same occupation that I have as a musician, that of a social worker. Or it’s possible I would’ve done more with my Bachelors in Journalism, and be asking someone else these questions right now.

Why should our readers give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?

If you look at Black History Year versus Jahshua 1:6, you get the feel that I’m balanced where I can educate the youth and still make songs that are entertaining regardless of age bracket. When I was younger a lot of my music reflected what I saw growing up, but I’m at a point now where my experiences are way different. I leave no stones unturned when I write, so regardless if I’m rapping about Civil Rights or what I did at the club last night, I can relay them to people in a way that they relate to without resorting to gimmicks. It’s all my true experiences and perceptions and that’s the main focus of spoken word.

If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?

A personalized compilation of my favorite songs, sung by my friends and family, so I’d have memories of them to keep me from going batsh*t insane on a deserted island.

Tell us one thing that very few people may know about you.

I was really terrible at rapping until 2005. Then my friend Steven “Tempest” Perez taught me how to use multis, how to count bars, and most importantly how to use the beat to my advantage. It was like giving a killer an AK-47 and a how-to instruction manual. I’ve been unstoppable since then.

What’s next for you?

I’m definitely making a mixtape this year, that’s a therapeutic release for me to just write and record without the structure of an LP or EP. I’m looking to release that before the end of 2011. I also have numerous collabs within BLAT! Pack, finishing up my EPK, and lots of performances along the way. Tell A3C and CMJ to holler at the kid too.

Any shout outs or last words? - KevinNottingham.com

Michigan emcee JYoung The General has joined forces with KevinNottingham.com and dN|Be Apparel to present the second installment of his Black History Year series. Just like the first installment which was released a year ago, Black History Year Installment Two is produced entirely by Nick Speed (who has produced for G-Unit, Danny Brown and Elzhi).

Black History Year: Installment Two is part of an EP series that JYoung The General created to raise awareness of black issues, leaders and events. JYoung is joined by Michigan staples such as OneBeLo, Mae Day and Buff1 to edutain listeners on the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, the Pan-African flag, gentrification and more. Today’s release date, April 19, pays homage to the the date that Stokely Carmichael, a founding member of the Black Panther Party, coined the term “Black Power” during a 1967 speech in Seattle. - KevinNottingham.com

Michigan emcee JYoung The General has joined forces with KevinNottingham.com and dN|Be Apparel to present the second installment of his Black History Year series. Just like the first installment which was released a year ago, Black History Year Installment Two is produced entirely by Nick Speed (who has produced for G-Unit, Danny Brown and Elzhi).

Black History Year: Installment Two is part of an EP series that JYoung The General created to raise awareness of black issues, leaders and events. JYoung is joined by Michigan staples such as OneBeLo, Mae Day and Buff1 to edutain listeners on the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, the Pan-African flag, gentrification and more. Today’s release date, April 19, pays homage to the the date that Stokely Carmichael, a founding member of the Black Panther Party, coined the term “Black Power” during a 1967 speech in Seattle. - KevinNottingham.com

I hate feeling like i am being “preached” to when i am listening to music. Yes i know thats how you can get some very good information and or point of views, but man i just flat out dont like it. BUT THIS GUY JYOUNG IS DOPE WITH IT! Him and Mr. Nick Speed slipped one on me here. Let me explain, the production on here was so smoove that alone took away the feel that i was in class. Ok the first track does come out the gates on sum aggression type shit but the mix on the beat and the blend with the vocals on “Meeting” got my attention, Then i heard what he was saying and had to start the track over.

This Guy Stewrat put a landscape together so sweet for JYoung to flow over for the song “Gorgeous” its ridiculous. But you look at the subtitle (DOLL STUDY) and it gave the song a whole new meaning to me.
JYoung delivers his message in a way that makes me want to listen, its relate able if that makes any sense. I mean i feel like im in the room with him and he just expressing himself with some passion.

Keep’em Laughin caught my attention and just presented so many people and issues i grew up with that i caught myself laughing.

But i would have to say my favorite song on this joint is HAITIAN FIGHT SONG 2010. The Track is Ridiculous, The delivery was on point as if Nick speed had programed his rhyme pattern with every other instrument in the song. I had to ask myself, did this guy live in Haiti? Cause i feel like hes speaking from the experience.

Artwork 9
Production 9
Content 9
Delivery 9
Hell would have freezed over before i issue out 10's. Ya cant do much better than this from me!
Great Project - Detroitrap.com

Check the footage below for JYoung and L05’s freestyle and a clip from Buff1 and Magestik’s interview! - Teddy Ruck-Spin and F.O.K.U.S. Radio

Check the footage below for JYoung and L05’s freestyle and a clip from Buff1 and Magestik’s interview! - Teddy Ruck-Spin and F.O.K.U.S. Radio

Here’s a track created by two Lansing-based artists that are coming to SXSW for the first time. The tune is appropriately titled “Austin F#%@ing Texas” and emcees JYoung the General and Red Pill of the Blat! Pack did a good job summing up the anticipation and excitement that lot’s of musicians feel when they head to this mega music festival for the first time. There really is no way one can prepare to hit Austin during South By and if you’ve always wanted to come here, and then your dream comes true, why not write a song about it?

The beat you’ll hear was created by up and coming Michigan producer Hir-O and sounds like the score to a hip-hop video game from the ’80s. The outcome matches the doe-eyed energy of the artists rapping and that’s what makes this song a joy to check out. Both JYoung and Red Pill are playing the Michigan Made Showcase this Saturday alongside Jon Connor, Ro Spit, OneBeLo, FowL, and plenty of our state’s best hip-hop talent. - Detroit Metro Times

JYoung The General is using his Black History Year series of EPs with producer Nick Speed (G-Unit, eLZhi, Danny Brown) to raise awareness of black issues without compromising entertainment. To jumpstart the KevinNottingham-sponsored Black History Year: Installment Two, JYoung teams up with three of Michigan’s best to school listeners about the Black Panther Party. JYoung, OneBeLo, Mae Day and J.A.E. rhyme as founding members Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis and Eldridge Cleaver, respectively, between chants of the Ten-Point Program that fueled the organization’s work. - 2DopeBoyz.com

JYoung The General is using his Black History Year series of EPs with producer Nick Speed (G-Unit, eLZhi, Danny Brown) to raise awareness of black issues without compromising entertainment. To jumpstart the KevinNottingham-sponsored Black History Year: Installment Two, JYoung teams up with three of Michigan’s best to school listeners about the Black Panther Party. JYoung, OneBeLo, Mae Day and J.A.E. rhyme as founding members Huey Newton, Bobby Seale, Angela Davis and Eldridge Cleaver, respectively, between chants of the Ten-Point Program that fueled the organization’s work. - 2DopeBoyz.com

JYoung the General knows good hip-hop music is more than catchy beats and clever rhymes.

It involves smart, carefully placed social commentary-- lyrics that get you to move in the club, but also make you think differently about the world around.

On “Black History Year: Installment Two,” the Lansing-based rapper does just that--- brings together sociopolitical, very aware commentary with hot, steady, flowing beats, and the combo is simply dynamite.

The album, which is available for a free download on Tuesday, April 19, is an extension of JYoung’s personal experiences.

“My music is an extension of the things I learn,” JYoung says. “After so long of rapping about the experiences of my adolescence, I knew that speaking on the things I learned in college would balance out my arsenal.” - Lansing State Journal