Video: J Rawls – Jewel

Veteran hip-hop producer J Rawls doesn’t step behind the mic often, typically leaving the rapping to the likes of Mos Def, Talib Kweli, J-Live, Masta Ace, Count Bass D, and El Da Sensei, all of whom have rocked over J Rawls production. But when he’s inspired, he rhymes too. On the latest video from his new album The Hip-Hop Affect, Rawls steps behind to mic to tell a true love story. Bringing a dose of realism to the typical hip-hop love song, Rawls speaks on the mistakes, struggles, and joys of marriage and fatherhood. For the hook, he recruited fellow Ohio native Afaliah.

The Hip-Hop Affect is the first solo hip-hop album from J Rawls in nearly 10 years. Featuring appearances from Rhymefest, Sadat X, Tanya Morgan, J. Sands (of Lone Catalysts), Copywrite, Bad Azz, Edo G, Stalley, Casual, Wise Intelligent (of Poor Righteous Teachers), John Robinson, Fat Jon, and more, THHA now in stores everywhere.