Mr. J Medeiros

As a member of the Procussions, Mr. J Medeiros already has one excellent album under his belt -- last year's 5 Sparrows for 2 Cents. Apparently, though, Medeiros still had some things to get off his chest. Late last summer, well before dropping his debut solo outing, Of Gods and Girls, the MC introduced the disc's inaugural single on YouTube with a disturbing yet enlightening video. "Constance," the song and accompanying clip, deals with child pornography in a poignant, thought-provoking manner that will make folks think twice before they click. But the whole album isn't Debbie Downer. Medeiros gets romantic on "Amelie," gives props to his mama on "Call You" and shares his financial woes on "Money." Elsewhere, J shines as he reminds us of our inherent value ("Keep Pace") and that problems and drama don't last forever ("Change"), and encourages us to strive for something better in life ("Apathy"). All this over banging beats from J, Stro the 89th Key, Illmind and others. You can't help but walk away from this one feeling empowered.