Just a Poet with a Soul explained
| Just a Poet with Soul |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Def Jef |
| Cover: | Just a Poet with a Soul.jpg |
| Released: | November 14, 1989 |
| Recorded: | 1988–89 |
| Genre: | Hip hop |
| Length: | 51:25 |
| Label: | Delicious Vinyl |
| Next Title: | Soul Food |
| Next Year: | 1991 |
Just a Poet with Soul is the debut studio album by American rapper and record producer Def Jef. It was released on November 14, 1989, through Delicious Vinyl.[1] The album was produced by the Dust Brothers, Def Jef, and Michael Ross, who also served as executive producer. It features contributions from N'Dea Davenport and Etta James on vocals, Kevin O'Neal on bass, Michael Kory on piano, and Julio G on turntables. The album produced three singles: "Droppin Rhymes on Drums", "Black to the Future" and "Poet with Soul".
Critical reception
The Houston Chronicle opined that Def Jef "spends more time bragging about how cleverly he can say what he says than he does actually saying anything—an all-too-common rap trick... But the album is redeemed as entertainment by the Dust Brothers' funky Cali co-production and inventive use of sampling."[2]
Track listing
- Notes
- signifies an assistant producer.
- signifies a co-producer.
Personnel
- Jeffrey "Def Jef" Fortson – vocals, producer (tracks: 1-7, 10), co-producer (track 9), sleeve notes
- Etta James – additional vocals (track 1)
- Julio "Julio G." Gonzalez – scratches (track 5)
- N'Dea Davenport – vocals (track 8)
- Kevin O'Neal – bass (track 9)
- Michael Kory – piano (track 11)
- DJ Erick Vaan – assistant producer (track 2)
- John "King Gizmo" King – producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11), co-producer (track 5)
- Matt Dike – producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11), co-producer (track 5)
- Michael "E.Z. Mike" Simpson – producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11), co-producer (track 5)
- Michael Ross – producer (track 11), executive producer
- Brian Foxworthy – engineering
- Mario Caldato Jr. – engineering
- Darren Mora – additional engineering
- Salomon Emquies – art direction, photography
Notes and References
- Book: D . Chuck . Chuck D Presents This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History . 2017 . Running Press.
- News: Mitchell . Rick . Records . Houston Chronicle . January 28, 1990 . Zest . 8.
