J. Crum Releases Second EP 'Flawed'
Detroit-born and Omaha-based Joshua Crum has released his second effort, Flawed. The seven-track EP shows grittiness and has Crum - just call him J. Crum - grinding out inspirational lyrics, with solid-hard rock riffs and arrangements.
Mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated engineer Rick Carson (Terrace Martin’s Velvet Portraits) and produced by Tory Hooks, the rapper’s expansive palette dabs subtle, diverse influences: Florence + The Machine, Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, even Fall Out Boy. Like in his debut release Black Sheep, Crum’s rapid delivery challenges the listener to not only keep pace, but also to be uplifted to a more profound, evocative message.
“I felt like I’ve grown a lot artistically between Black Sheep and Flawed,” Crum said. “I tried to find the beauty in one’s own vulnerability. I feel I went even deeper into that vulnerability and communicated in a relatable way.”
In the hyper-focused “Monster,” Crum’s crescendo is in the haunting lyrics juxtaposed by the universality of the sentiment “….or do I turn the other cheek….I guess we’re gonna see.” And, just like that, Crum keeps us guessing in sound, styles and his very foundation.
Crum’s determined journey now includes several tour stops in California, as well as a support spot for acclaimed rapper, Lecrae, later this month at Omaha’s Slowdown.
