IGN.com give "Wait, You Can Rap?!?!" an 8.5

Jelani The MC – Wait, You Can Rap?!?! Review
NYC rapper leaves no questions unanswered on debut LP.
by Alfred Leonard

July 30, 2008 - They say the best things in life are free. That statement couldn't be more true after the complimentary release of Jelani The MC's Wait, You Can Rap?!?!. For the unaware, Jelani is NYC born and bred and the offspring of the legendary hip-hop haberdasher, Dapper Dan. After listening to his debut album it becomes apparent that Jelani has had hip-hop running through is veins from the jump.

The album opens up with a fierce organ and hi hat-backed intro in which Jelani immediately answers the question posed in his album title. Smiles are brought to the faces of fans of The Wire as the infamous "40 degree day" quote serves as an intermission between two rapid-fire verses. Lyricism is pretty much the theme of the first third of the album as Jelani showcases his rhyme schemes and clever wordplay. And even when he does hone in on a particular subject he still excels. Case and point: the inspirational "Do What You Like", where Jelani encourages the pursuit of dreams while opening up to share a few of his own personal tales.

Nobody is perfect however, and Jelani proves it with two slightly underwhelming tracks in the middle of the disc. The uptempo numbers "Supernova" and "Let's Dance" put the rapper out of his comfort zone and the lyrics briefly suffer ("you're fly like an eagle"). These are only minor setbacks however as Jelani quickly gets back on track with the assistance of rapper/producer 6th Sense on "Movers & Shakers".

While the superb lyrical displays are entertaining to say the very least, it is when Jelani mellows out and gets more introspective that he truly hits his stride musically. The album closes out exceptionally strong with a stellar trio of tracks, highlighted by the triumphant "Living My Dream". Arguably the best song on the 12-track set, Jelani narrates his hopeful ascension into the ranks of hip-hop immortality. The horns and upbeat bass drum compliment the song perfectly as Jelani puts on a performance that can't be done justice by simply quoting individual lines.

There is no question that Jelani can rap so one has to wonder, who exactly was it that thought any differently? With an apparent appetite for success and limitless talent, Jelani is one to be on the lookout for in the very near future. His only major mistake was giving this album away as it is well worth a retail purchase.
Click here to check review and leave comment.