SECTION: BEATS
The Jacka
Tear Gas
SMC RecordingsOften overlooked, but well respected, veteran rapper The Jacka (of the Mob Figaz) returns with Tear Gas, a layered album defined by narrative production and lyrics that at times dip low to explore the underbelly of the recession, while nevertheless intertwining light braggadocio. On “The Greatest Alive” he trades bragging bars with Strong Arm Steady’s Mitchy Slick; Devin the Dude shows up on the flirty, “Keep Callin”; and Paul Wall makes an upbeat appearance on “Get It In.” A solid album from one of the Bay Area’s best MC’s, Tear Gas is one of the Jacka’s better showings. –jh
