Local Review: Jay Citrus – Sunshine
Local Music Reviews
Jay Citrus
Sunshine
Self-Released
Street: 12.30.16
Jay Citrus = P.O.S + ASAP Ant + Action Bronson
Local rapper Jay Citrus is back with another full-length album entitled Sunshine. The album is littered with features and collaborations from other Salt Lake City artists. Erasole James of Dine Krew makes an appearance, along with local legend Burnell Washburn and producer Khensu. Each feature on Sunshine blends in well with Jay Citrus’ verses, adding the perfect amount of variation. Khensu’s beats are pristine and pair well with Citrus’ rhyme patterns, and “Chopsticks” is one of the cleanest instrumentals on the whole record. Khensu uses Eastern-sounding instruments with trap hi-hats and snares. Jay Citrus employs the instrumentals well, staying energetic and on top of the beat. Still, he brings his own unique style and artistry to the track, often getting introspective. He raps, “I’m trying to take what’s mine—then again who’s me?”
Jay Citrus proves that he is on his grind in Sunshine. Each track is mastered professionally and has a balanced quality to it. Citrus spits a meter that is honed in and focused, but also varied. It is obvious that he has spent countless hours mastering the art of lyricism and rhyme. Even the lyrics on Sunshine center on grinding hard and getting things done. On “Yamazaki,” he raps, “Working all day so I can have some hope / Making sure I’m paid so we can have a home.”
Jay Citrus doesn’t merely produce quality music. He engages with a community of artists in and around Salt Lake City, further developing with an already thriving music scene. We live in an age where hip-hop is less localized, with musicians preferring to outsource virtually every part of an album, from beats to mastering. Jay Citrus recognizes the importance of an artistic community, and his commitment to working closely with friends and fellow artists shows up time and time again on Sunshine. Check this album out on soundcloud.com/jaycitrus to support and engage with some great, homegrown music. –Taylor Hartman