JUS NBL - Ju$ A Preview Review

JUS NBL - Ju$ A Preview Review

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If this project is meant to showcase Jus NBL’s skills, I might have to pass on the full release. There are just too many issues that make it difficult to enjoy. Hailing from Philadelphia, Jus NBL has been working on Bis Craft since 2018, but after all that time, it still sounds like a work in progress.

To his credit, his passion for music is undeniable—he exudes energy and enthusiasm, which every artist should. However, that same energy often becomes overwhelming, as he frequently resorts to outright shouting rather than rapping. His delivery feels like a golden retriever excitedly barking at you, and while enthusiasm can be engaging, here it quickly becomes grating. He does dial it back at times—most notably on the track Changes—and when he does, it’s a welcome relief. Unfortunately, that restraint is nowhere to be found on Drift, where his aggressive shouting combined with painfully off-key, over-processed autotune makes for an unbearable listen.

Speaking of autotune, the production quality across this project is wildly inconsistent. Some tracks are decently mixed and have appropriate volume levels, while others are an absolute mess. The song Always could have been passable, but the overpowering bass drowns everything out. The same issue plagues Drift, making it borderline unlistenable. That being said, Changes stands out as the most well-crafted track, allowing Jus NBL’s natural vocal qualities to shine while incorporating interesting elements like a subtle saxophone in the background.

The featured artists on this project are hit-or-miss. Kastilano delivers a solid contribution, adding something meaningful to the project, but others, like SSS Sheem and Jermin, completely miss the mark and should honestly be forgotten.

Lyrically, Jus NBL doesn’t bring much innovation to the table. His bars are often predictable and follow familiar tropes. However, he does show flashes of compelling storytelling, particularly on City of Hate, where he reflects on surviving in the cold, unforgiving streets. Moments like this suggest there’s potential buried beneath the surface—but it’s overshadowed by the project’s many flaws.

At the end of the day, Bis Craft feels more like an early-stage experiment than a polished release. If Jus NBL hopes to elevate his career, he’ll need to focus on refining his delivery, improving his production quality, and developing a more distinct artistic identity. Right now, it’s just a rough draft of something that could be much better with serious retooling.

RATING: 5/10

NOTABLE TRACKS: 

Change

City Of Hate

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