Turner Jackson

The ABCs are the building blocks of the English language, but Turner Jackson's ABC pays homage to the building blocks of his versatile, ever-changing style. The album begins with a short sample of new-school flow, something you might hear from Meek Mill or Drake. Most of the rest is a...

By Noah Hubbell

April 11, 2013

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The ABCs are the building blocks of the English language, but Turner Jackson's ABC pays homage to the building blocks of his versatile, ever-changing style. The album begins with a short sample of new-school flow, something you might hear from Meek Mill or Drake. Most of the rest is a veritable sample plate of styles, '90s boom-bap, old Southern pimp rap and West Coast gangsta among them. Jackson's adaptation is in flow more than content, but sometimes it's in both. He covers an eclectic range without losing his identity; despite outside influences, Jackson represents for Colorado with his provincial lyrics and mostly local features. Although his creativity stands out here, his lyrics don't, and neither do many of the beats. ABC is an enjoyable listen, though, even if it doesn't have enough invigorating moments to make it truly memorable.

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