Pigeon John nailed it when titling his fourth album, first for Quannum Projects label. "And the Summertime Pool Party" is right on the money for this Be-Happy album.
Pigeon John went from being the only black kid in Nebraska to the lightest black kid in Inglewood, and the odd mix shows up in his quirky MC persona, half rapper- half Poindexter. It only adds to the fun on this sunny, breezy project. But an important note to the Christian audience: those who take offense at rough language won’t be staying for the fireworks. Pigeon John’s hip-hop is far from the down-n-dirty thuggery of mainstream radio, but he’s not for every listener on this side of the pulpit either. That said, if you can get past a few rough references, dive in; there’s a lot to like at this pool party.
The opening “Welcome to the Show” is all tropical party drinks with paper umbrellas, setting a tone that is half-party jokester, half-serious observer. PJ’s self-effacing humor is offered up with such good will that you’re highly inclined to enjoy yourself, to lean back, sip your party drink, and enjoy the show: “I know you got bills to pay/ But it’s my job to help you let it wash away.” “Summertime Pool Party” has tight beats, flowing rhymes, and plenty of clever commentary.
Pigeon John for the most part brings a message of finding joy in the midst of the struggle. The bouncy, infectious “Higher?!” looks back at the early days of “basketball and Hasselhoff,” covers the Beastie Boy era, and climbs chromatically to finally “rise above like a dove.” Several short tracks serve as humorous introductions to slice-of-life songs, like the hilarious “Scene 2- I was just looking at her jeans” and “Money Back Guarantee,” Poindexter trying way too hard to meet girls.
Several great guests bring sizzle to the pool party, DJ Rhettmatic on “Freaks! Freaks!” bemoaning women’s preferences for thug rappers, and Brother Ali, who burns through “One for the….” Things get heavier with “Weight of the World,” with its clipped keys and more pragmatic lyrics, but it’s “As We Know It” when things take a decided turn toward the dark side. Pigeon John cuts loose on Jesus with some in-your-face questions about the world’s conditions (war, sexual exploitation, etc.), a free-flowing rant that many believers will find disrespectful. It’s borderline, I’ll be honest. Not for the faint of heart.
It’s back to the joviality with “I Lost My Job Again” which comes across like a TV comedy, if TV put out double-jointed rhymes, a slow bouncing experimental soundtrack, and sly corporate portraits. “Growing Old” close out nicely, a warm, affectionate stroll down hip-hop lane. Like I said, Pigeon John mixes it up with “And the Summertime Pool Party,” a provocative blend of light and dark. If you’re up for the challenge, grab a towel and head for the deep end.
