This week we have new discs from Chris Rice and Derek Webb, both of which we
will have reviewed in full on cMusicWeb.com in the near future. But today we
have a review of KJ-52's latest, the sequel to Collaborations. And like our
Jon Corbin finds, it really is a repeat of the last disc, just different
words and different beats. Since little new is here, it does not have the
groundbreaking feel that Collaborations did. Probably the best part is the
silliness at the end with Mountain Dew Anonymous.

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IT'S PRONOUNCED "FIVE-TWO" - KJ-52 (2003)
by Jon Corbin

Fans screamed with excitement at the news that Jonah Sorrentino would
release another album just over a year after his surprise sophomore hit
Collaborations. At the same time reviewers like me got a funny feeling in
the pit of their stomachs. KJ-52 is an intelligent, commercially accessible
artist. Would just over a year give him enough time to produce an original
project? Sadly, the answer is no.

It's Pronounced Five-Two gives Sorrentino a chance to introduce himself to
the soccer moms whose kids flipped over "Dear Slim." So, in the vein of "if
it ain't broke," KJ revisits some of the popular items from the
Collaborations menu. Instead of "Nursery Rhymes" (the sleeper hit of the
2002 album), cartoons are the focus with the light-hearted "Cartoon
Network." "Rock On" follows in the tradition of "Rise Up," a rap-rock
collaboration with Pillar's Rob Beckley. "47 Pop Stars" replaces "47
Emcees," and "Back In The Day" is a regurgitation of high school days
covered last time with Pigeon John. Gone is the myriad of producers,
replaced solely by Todd Collins. While Collins does a great job of creating
danceable tracks, KJ is at his best when a number of producers work to
challenge him.

The original work KJ provides proves that he hasn't lost a step. "KJ Five
Two" is the album's most enjoyable tune, as the emcee shares his
personality, career development and heart for God. "Whoop Whoop" is another
club-worthy hit that has KJ exercising his double-time flow. Other notables
are the heart wrenching "#1 Fan" and the admittedly jiggy "So In Love With
You." The most controversial track (yet the most appropriate) is "Dear Slim
pt. 2." With all the debate surrounding the original, no one can fault KJ
for returning to the topic. Once again, Sorrentino's humility and heart for
Eminem shines through, and those who misunderstand this one aren't really
looking hard enough.

The end result of a seemingly rushed project? This one probably needed to
marinate a little longer. Creating an album that somewhat mirrors the last
is a good way to sell records but harmful to the creativity genes. "It's
Pronounced Five-Two" is roughly half-new material, and therefore, half-worth
purchasing – it's up to you.

Find out more about KJ-52 at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/hiphop/kj-52


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review: Jimmy Wayne - Jimmy Wayne
http://cMusicWeb.com/folk/jimmywayne/jimmywayne.shtml

Feature: GMA Week 2004 Props and Flops
http://cMusicWeb.com/features/gma2004


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, JUNE 8 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

PURCHASE THIS MUSIC AND MORE AT GRASSROOTSMUSIC.COM:
http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/?associateid=249

ABANDON - JASON MORANT
The past couple years have found the immense success of the
"singer-songwriter" genre with Jason Mraz and all those people. Recently
Christian music has been joining the trend, and the newest one is Jason
Morant. Vertical Music was not the typical label for a singer-songwriter
style, but Morant does a good job of fusing personal, reflective lyrics with
a worshipful feel.

THE HOUSE SHOW - DEREK WEBB
Definitely our PICK OF THE WEEK, this disc gives you a front row seat at one
of Derek Webb's recent concerts. And since it's called The House Show, that
seat was probably a couch. Sit back in your couch and enjoy acoustic music
from his solo albums and Caedmon's Call albums. Derek also goes in depth
about the songs on the disc.

SHORT TERM MEMORIES - CHRIS RICE
Many people remember Chris Rice for his debut disc and his "Cartoons" song
and, well, not much else. Rocketown Records is hoping, though, that you will
pick up this disc, which features all of his best tracks in his career so
far.


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