Music
Press
J Beck's music is very diverse and gets the audience going. His show keeps the crowd going from beginning to end, which is a rarity these days in hip hop. - Robin Russell, Afton Manager
J Beck has got the persona and music to make it to the top! - Lady Princess, PI Management
I can always count on J Beck to bring a crowd and put on an amazing show. His consistency and hard work should be an example for other local acts working to get their name out in a competitive music culture! - Amy Cordy, Afton Booking Representative for Chicago
Again, don’t judge a book by its cover, because you’ll miss the gem this young artist has to offer. Ever heard the statement, “Hip-Hop is dead…”? Well, J Beck is here to give it life again. With hits like “Fall In Line,” J Beck clears up any doubt that he is your average rapper just following current trends to make a buck. As the chorus on the song boldly proclaims, “I will not fall in line…I’mma do my own thing and live my own life!”
But there’s more to J Beck’s EP. Songs like the laid back jazz/hip-hop song, “Make Lemonade,” or for a more funky upbeat feel, there’s “Stuck In The Moment,” where J Beck gives us a dose of inspiration to see the good in our bad days.
Overall, J Beck’s EP is only $4 and actually worth $12. For anyone who wants to hear what The Beastie Boys, Common, and Kanye West sound like together, then download J Beck’s “Class Is In Session” and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. - IAE Magazine
Hip-Hop and rap have had quite the history, starting out as a daring and entertaining form of street poetry set to rhythms, becoming a popularized art form and in some cases a caricature that probably does more to reinforce negative stereotypes than break them down. Like all genes there is both good and bad out there, but it seems that often it's the more blatantly negative influences that get the most press. It's refreshing to find someone like J Beck using hip-hop as an inspirational and life-changing medium. In his day job, J Beck is a teacher on Chicago's South Side. After school hours, J Beck performs his catchy brand of organic hip-hop at venues and events all around Chicago. J Beck's sophomore EP, Class Is In Session, has great rhymes and rhythms, a realistic world view and a positive message of non-conformity and hope.
Class Is In Session opens with "Bachelor With My Bachelors"; the expected introductory song that's less than traditional. J Beck dances on the edge of calling out the rap establishment for the lack of intellect in popular rap. J Beck is strong with a rhyme and makes a solid opening impression. "Fall In Line" gets a bit awkward in the bridge, but otherwise deftly combines hip-hop and hard rock in the tradition of groups like Body Count. "Make Lemonade" has more of a commercial feel to it, blending laconic rhymes with the sort of hip-hop-lite that tends to dominate the R&B charts. "Stuck In The Moment" has a bit more life; a positive message about accepting life as it comes and making the most of it. Class Is In Session closes with "Can't Stay This Way", featuring a sample that sounds like the Chipmunks singing backup on a classic soul song. The song approaches a stream of conscious lyrical style, switching between cogent voiceovers and J Beck's commentary that varies from poignant to huh? moments.
J Beck offers honest assessments of the world around him on Class Is In Session. With a focus on social justice and change, J Beck infuses Class Is In Session with a desire for change as well as a highly personal, sensitive angle not generally seen in popular hip-hop. J Beck seems to be most prolific when he has something to rail against, blending righteous anger with intelligent lyrics. In "Bachelor With My Bachelors" J Beck makes a reference to Mark Twain and Lil Wayne in the same line. Some might be aghast at this grouping, although I suspect Twain himself would have taken a bit of subversive glee at the thought. It's that same subversive spirit that drives J Beck in the pursuit of making the world around him better. Class Is In Session is worth listening to on that basis alone. It will be interesting to see where J Beck goes next. - Wildy's World
Discography
Class is in Session EP - 2010
Just Me LP - 2008
Photos
Bio
A new era in education has begun and going “back-to-school” has never been so electrifying now that J Beck is in front of class. As a teacher on the Southside of Chicago, J Beck is known to his students as Mr. Becker. The emcee has blended his professions to create music that is changing the face of hip hop and education. He uses his talent in writing and hip hop recording to improve student reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Mr. Becker applies his experiences from teaching in the low-income neighborhood to produce music from a fresh new perspective.
“I have seen first-hand how influential hip hop is to teens, whether good or bad. Whether I am teaching or creating music, I believe I have a responsibility to craft a foundation for positive change,” says J Beck. His persona has drawn the attention of many. J Beck has consistently been offered gigs and performs around Chicago because of his dedicated fans, his stage presence, and his highly acclaimed music. Amy Cordy, Booking Representative for Afton, says, “I can always count on him to bring a crowd and put on an amazing show. His consistency and hard work should be an example for all other local acts working to get their name out in a ridiculously competitive music culture.”
J Beck’s music compliments his unique perspective. Most of his tracks use live instrumentation, blending the genres of hip hop, pop, and rock. J Beck collaborates with artists from many different genres, further merging styles into a flavorsome, harmonious recipe.
Currently, J Beck is in the process of finishing and promoting his highly anticipated singles “Bachelor with my Bachelors”, “Make Lemonade”, and “Fall in Line”. This release may be the only time we will see teenagers and adults energized and eager for the school bell to ring.
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