Coming from the heart of America, Lisa Jo is not exactly a musician but a sonic architect who has mastered the art of bridging the gap between innate fear and the audacious boundaries of self-expression. The latest masterpiece from this genius, titled “Hood Rats”, dropped on December 4 last year in the form of a thirteen-track odyssey that simply cannot be ignored. By interweaving her story with the distinct vibes of J-Mac and the great Ebony Reigns, Lisa Jo has managed to create an album that not only resonates with the times but also transcends them. While time may have passed, the echoes of this album have not, and they seem to be louder than ever. So, let’s get down to it and find out why an album from last year is the most relevant thing in the room today.

“Everyday Struggle” is the first song on the album. The song kicks off with a desolate drum beat that sounds like a heartbeat missing a beat. It’s not only dry but also lacks any kind of polish. It’s like the heartbeat is struggling to get going. There’s no melody to back it up; it’s just the drum beat alone before a gritty blues-inspired guitar riff comes into the scene. The subject matter is the psychological toll of the “9 to 5” that never ends. The lyrics avoid the glorification of the “hustle culture” that’s popular in modern times and instead opt for the desperation that comes with the morning commute.  The song highlights how hard the average man works just to put food on the table. Artist J- Mac brings his A game to this song, and together, they make the song a masterpiece. The instrumentation is minimal, much like the lack of “extras” that come with a struggling life. It’s a heavy reality that’s felt before the first chorus even kicks in.

Next is the song “Voodoo”. The transition into “Voodoo” is highlighted by the appearance of dark ambient synths and the faint sound of rhythmic rattling, like chains or charms. Through this song, we meet a character who works really hard to get what he has. This character has earned whatever he has, so he challenges people who want to see him fail to use voodoo because, no matter what they do, he’s still on top. This song also features the amazing J-Mac. The overall effect of the song is hypnotic; the listener feels the “spell” that the song casts on them, the feeling of being under the influence of obsession.

Next up is the track “Hope in the Hood”. The mood is brightened by the introduction of a warm analog electric piano (Rhodes sounds) playing a series of major chords. It’s like a sunbeam hitting a brick wall. It’s the album’s soul-searching anthem, focusing on the community leaders, the “quiet heroes” of the hood. The lyrics are contemplative, observational, and empathetic, painting pictures of heroes.  This song introduces us to the unsung heroes and the people who want to make a better life for themselves. J- Mac brings the heat and the punchlines while Lisa Jo’s voice is clearer and more resonant in this track, showing off her soulful vibrato, like an embrace. The music swells into a rich, mid-tempo groove with a live-sounding bass. It’s like a wake-up call to the listener, a moment of profound humanity that reminds us there is beauty in even the most overlooked places.

“Everyone’s Friend” is the song that follows. This song kicks off with a sharp synth stab that repeats with an almost annoyingly consistent fashion, reminiscent of the “noise” made by the social climber. The theme here is a rags-to-riches story but with a twist. The character in the song makes it clear to the people who doubted her that, because they didn’t believe in her, now that she’s on top, they should expect nothing from her. The lyrics are sharp and witty, full of tongue-in-cheek observations that are both cutting and clever. Lisa Jo’s delivery is fast-paced and percussive, almost rap-like in the way that she attacks the verses, her frustration evident in her performance. The music is sharp and modern, with a “bouncy” beat that keeps the listener on their toes.

The album continues with “Lord of the Night”. The low hum builds into a driving techno-pop beat with a nocturnal feel. The intro is quite cold and industrial. This is the “alter-ego” track where the character in the song is all about the freedom and the danger of the city at midnight. The theme is all about claiming the night and the power of the darkness. This character isn’t afraid to tell everyone who would try to hurt him that he’s strapped and ready to defend himself. J- Mac’s rap is heavily processed with a slight distortion, giving the impression of being larger than life and commanding. The instrumentation is quite heavy with arpeggiated synths and a driving kick drum that has the feel of a pulse. It’s quite immersive and cinematic, like driving through the city at midnight with the windows rolled down.

Up next is “Instascam- Special Version”. The “Special Version” opens with a chaotic burst of digital glitches and high-pitched vocal chops that resolve into a heavy, trap-leaning rhythm. It’s an aggressive critique of the “fake it ’til you make it” culture on social media. In this song, J- Mac talks about the downsides of social media while mentioning Instagram specifically, and he couldn’t be more right. Social media has become worse these days. Everyone feels the need to record themselves doing anything. The upsetting part is that there are genuine people, but they have been pushed to the back of the line by attention-seeking people, and this makes it hard to connect with people because you don’t know if the person is genuine or if it is a bot. The lyrics are blunt, calling out the disparity between the “bank account and the Instagram feed.” Lisa Jo’s vocal performance is mocking and charismatic, using clever timing to land her punchlines. The musicality is frantic, with a sliding bassline that feels as unstable as the lifestyles she’s describing. It impacts the listener as a wake-up call, wrapped in a club-ready beat.

Next on the record is “Unbroken.” The chaos gives way to a simple, lovely piano and mouth percussion ballad. The intro is just two chords, played with a heavy foot on the sustain pedal to create a sense of space. This is the heart of the album, a song about surviving. It’s sparse but heavy, focusing on the power it takes to stay “unbroken” in the face of shattering circumstances.  The song is an inspirational anthem that highlights the unbreakable nature of humanity. It encourages listeners that falling or failing is not the end. We are capable of so much more, so the next time we fall, we have to stand up, brush off the dust, and go at it again. The vocal performance in this song is quite breathtaking. The song strips away all the production she can, relying on the raw, emotive power of the vocal performance. The instrumentation stays out of the way, adding only a light string section towards the end. It’s the kind of thing that leaves the listener in tears, a rare moment of pure, unadorned emotion.

With “Sassy Frassy”, the mood takes a 180-degree turn as a funky, distorted electric guitar riff launches the song with an Instant attitude. The message is pure, unadulterated self-love and “sass.” Our character has seen a woman who has caught his eye. He’s so dazzled by her that he begins to think of settling down with this woman, but he feels like he doesn’t deserve her. The lyrics are lighthearted and have a playful tone, based on the idea of meeting a self-realized and independent woman who will change your life. The musicality is a fusion of 70s funk and modern pop, creating a sound that makes it physically impossible to sit still. The song is the ultimate “get ready” song, leaving you feeling empowered and untouchable.

The next song is called “Beast with Rage”. A cymbal and soft instrumentation. The subject of the song is the “beast” that comes alive when you are pushed too far, and the lyrics address the issue of the anger that comes from the injustice in the system. The lyrics are a release of all the frustrations that have built up over time. This song’s character isn’t afraid to lash out and warns anyone who would try to push his button. The rap by J- Mac is at their most aggressive, almost growling in a rock style. The music is loud and heavy, perfect for a song of this subject matter.

Next is “Same Ladder”. This song begins with a lovely soulful vocal harmony, where Ebony Reigns’ voice has been overdubbed multiple times to resemble a small choir. The song is about the “crabs in a bucket” syndrome, where people of similar backgrounds tend to pull each other down. The message of the song is to embrace ourselves and stay true to who we are. The vocals are smooth and pleading, followed by a rich R&B-influenced melody. The music has a soft swinging beat, accompanied by a warm bass. The song resonates at a deep social level, where the listener has to think about how they treat their own kind on the way up.

At number eleven, we have “Victory is Mine”. The intro features electronic piano sounds and a drum beat. The struggle of the previous songs is over, and the light at the end of the tunnel is here. The song is an affirmation of success and the refusal to give up the crown. The vocals are performed by J- Mac who hits high notes with ease and joy. The musicality is grand and celebratory, with an upbeat “four on the floor” beat that makes you feel like you’re at a party.

Next up is “Street Queens”. A smooth, mid-tempo R&B beat begins with a beautiful and distant sound of a soulful piano melody. The song is a tribute to the women who raised her and the “queens” of the street who keep families together. The lyrics are quite descriptive and respectful, giving the listener a lyrical photo album of the neighborhood’s matriarchs and the women who are self-made. Ebony Reigns’ vocals are quite nostalgic and go well with the soulful sounds and rap that accompany the song. It gives the listener a beautiful, grounding perspective on the “hood,” rather than the typical stereotypes that are associated with the area, which make it seem like it’s a breeding ground for all evil.

In last place, we have the track “Fierce”. The album concludes with a minimalist piano melody. There are no instruments at first; just the drum beat and the vocal. It is the final statement of power. The song is about the armor that is used to face the world. In the song, we are told about a woman who is tough as nails. A woman who struggles but, in the end, becomes victorious. This song is the hype song I didn’t know I needed and a reminder that I, too, am this powerful Amazonian goddess that is being described. With March being a month that celebrates women, this song couldn’t have come at the right time. As the song progresses, additional layers of dark synth and percussion are built until it is a wall of sound. The vocals are sharp and unwavering, and the rap is powerful, as it features J-Mac, and it ends the album with a sense of defiance and awe. The song is about the “Fierce” spirit and leaves the listener with an understanding of that spirit throughout the entire album.

For music has always been the marrow in this artist’s bones, the steady fuel that’s kept the fire within them burning bright when the world’s done its worst to snuff it out. This is the life story of a person who’s lived a life defined by the kind of trauma, tragedy, and irregular difficulty that most people can only read about in the news and could never possibly hope to experience for themselves. And it’s a life that’s been filled with the kind of sanctuary that only music can provide. This album isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s the meticulous publication of the artist’s life story, the lead turned to gold in the high art that it’s become with a level of sophistication that’s as rare as it is breathtaking. It’s impossible not to help but notice the sacred role that music plays in all of this; it’s the sword and the shield. This is a stunning, soul-stirring tribute to the human spirit that’s an inspiring masterclass in vulnerability that leaves us hanging on the edge of our seats, eager to read the next chapters that they’re harmonizing.

Stream the “Hood Rats” album on Spotify.

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