LABEL: FADACY MUSIC
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 2, 2012

nyone who is familiar with Applejaxx knows that his music is a bit unconventional. He seems to always try to present his message in a way that is outside of the box. His latest release, Appletizer, is no exception. Appletizer is a 5 track EP to get the listener ready for the upcoming full-length release, Organic. The whole idea behind the EP (and I’m sure the full-length album as well) is to encourage the listener to get rid of all the junk food and instead feast on healthy foods. Is Applejaxx really making music to encourage people to eat better? Well, not exactly; though if that was the outcome of this album, it might not necessarily be a bad thing. But that is not his main point. Applejaxx, instead, is using food as a metaphor: junk food representing sin and healthy, organic foods representing Christ and His word. “Junk food” will ultimately kill us, but to feast on “healthy foods” we will live.

Applejaxx’s flow on Appletizer is pretty solid. He rides the beat well and knows how to construct punchlines. As you can imagine, many of the punchlines are references to food which works well sometimes but can also seem a bit forced at times. Individual song concepts somewhat get lost in all of the similes, so much so that there is relatively no distinction between any of the songs outside of production and featured guest spots.

The production on Appletizer is different to say the least. It is not hard to tell that Applejaxx wants to stand out in a genre full of artists who sound like copycats of their favorite performers. I can really appreciate that about him. This works best on songs such as “Live Fresh” and “Blueberry Slangin” on which you might even find yourself nodding your head without realizing it. However, the production on the rest of the album was a little too different for my liking. It just did not appeal to me.

While Appletizer has a solid concept carried out by a pretty solid delivery, the lack of distinction between individual songs and the “different” production left me wanting something more from this 5 track EP. As much as I usually like to devour as much music as possible, I may be better off skipping this Appletizer to save room for the full-course meal.

–Matt Jerles

Review title provided courtesy of Fadacy Music