What Provokes You?
Jabee: Everything was Beautiful and Nothing Hurts
Desiree Yearby
Reporter/Writer
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O
klahoma Native Jabee Williams recently released his long-awaited album after
signing a deal with Murs' record label, Murs 3:16. I have known about this project for over a year and as I listen to it now, I understand why. In “Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt,” Mr. Williams discloses how he found the blessings in all things growing up on the east side of Oklahoma City. EWBANH gives a feeling that Jabee has consistently delivered to his supporters with since Blood is the New Black, which is the skillful ability to put the listener in his shoes and understand his world from their perspective.
10 tracks long, EWBANH was mostly produced by Oklahoma rapper Kadence and features six other artists, half of which are Oklahoma natives. In the song “To Whom It May Concern,” Jabee speaks on what inspires him: his family, his daughter, and his music.
In the song “G's Era” featuring Murs, Jabee and Murs both speak on what it is like growing up in their neighborhood. While listening to the contrast between Murs and Jabee, you realize that the east side of Oklahoma City and South Central California have a lot in common. In Jabee's last song “On My Way to Heaven,” he gets the help of Cameron Neal, lead singer of Oklahoma band Horse Thief.
I felt “On My Way to Heaven” epitomizes and defines what Jabee wants his supporters to think about Oklahoma. The song is a beautiful combination of the folk music you would associate with Oklahoma integrated with verses from Jabee telling his own folktale of his last day on earth.
Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt is Jabee Williams' story. This album discusses all the ugly parts of growing up in the inner city Midwest and everything that makes each of us human. With Jabee’s ability to accurately portray his life with words and rhythm, it is worth a listen. During the conclusion of the last track, I have never been more proud of where I’m from. I’m sure you will feel a similar feeling, no matter where you live.