CMJ's "Subjective Art For Mass Consumtion" Review
Review by: Paul Thorson- Paulyt03
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
If you like what we are doing please consider supporting us on Patreon, PayPal, or Venmo.
Like many artists in the past two years, Minneapolis veteran emcee Christopher Micheal Jensen had an artistic drought of sorts. The collaboration and atmosphere of live shows withered in the COVID winter, along with many beloved venues we used to call home passed somberly in the cold night.
Before this significant pause, CMJ worked tirelessly and methodically the previous two decades, building a legacy and studying to perfect his craft in a picturesque underground landscape of Minneapolis hip-hop. His tenacious drive cemented a strong pillar in the local hip-hop community, including hosting a monthly open mic at Fifth Element (R.I.P.) and another monthly showcase in Local Dope Shit with Uncle T.
Many of us embedded in the Twin Cities soundscape know all too well how deeply dug-in Christopher Michael Jensen is, and we’re all the better off for it. However, after two decades of effort, a pair of years with constant change and uncertainty has CMJ tumbling out of the carnage and dusting debris off his black Timberlands.
The Drought is Over
“Subjective Art For Mass Consumption” marks CMJ’s ninth official project. With all the world change since his 2019 EP “Joy, Void, Destroy,” Christopher Micheal Jensen expanded on his style and experimentation with melodies and solid-as-rock hooks.
Through the Smoke kicks things off with manic synthes intermixed with soft bells and staggered drums arraignment. This track essentially acts as CMJ’s biography, detailing his 2+ decade legacy in the 3-minute runtime.
The Way That it Goes will strike a chord with just about every artist who listens—the song’s bed lounges over hazy samples, crispy claps, and bouncy 808s. CMJ details a relatable struggle with trying to write an uplifting joint that always takes a nosedive to melancholy. No matter how you strive to create jubilance in your music, raw emotions always take over on the page before the song’s end; and CMJ paints that exact picture.
“Made an upbeat song, but it turned despressing/
Ah man, not again, need to learn my lesson.”
Mantel Trophies kicks it up a notch with steely synth and knocking kicks. CMJ counts his triumphs and accolades with the skill to match, keeping a rhyme scheme bouncing off almost every word and syllable in his verse. Not only does Christopher Michael Jensen make a big flex in Mantel Trophies, but he also confesses it’s not enough, and his relentless pursuit won’t cease.
World Gone Crazy takes a calm, introspective turn in the second half of “Subjective Art For Mass Consumption.” CMJ voices his worry about this apathetic and chaotic world that doesn’t seem to be getting better. However, with all the anxiety and uncertainty in this world, CMJ’s vocal performance is a lullaby of sorts, performing probably the most poignant, well-crafted chorus on the project.
“Another song sang as the seasons changed/
Annihilate naivety, priorities rearranged. ”
Starter Jackets & Zubaz gives the grittiest, bass-heavy instrumental on this album. CMJ matches the demeanor of this commanding beat, displaying his lyrical prowess across this four and half minute joint.
“I used to keep a cross on me, Like a flag Switzerland/
Now I dress in all black just to match my Timberlands.”
“Subjective Art For Mass Consumption” ends on an endearing note in Find Healing. Right away, the sweet-as-sun instrumental lives up to the track’s title. Rich keys and energetic hi-hats give a shot of serotonin while CMJ paints a picture of how he overcomes those nights without it. The rising star of Minneapolis and FairPlay Entertainment founder Nur-D makes an appearance, assisting CMJ in ending the album on an uplifted and optimistic note.
“Subjective Art For Mass Consumption” Release Show
On September 23rd, CMJ hosted a special event at the Underground Music Cafe nestled in the Minneapolis North Loop. The event was a celebration and revealing of CMJ’s first project in three years and marking his return to the stage for the first time in two and half years.
The release show lineup features stellar performances by Ghosts in the Green Room with North Star Wisdom, the ever-smooth Nyasia and her band Model Citizen, and Basement Gang. Ice God the Macgyver DJ’d the event and performed a few joints in replacement of Uncle T’s absence.
CMJ set sprinkled much of his discography, including bringing his brother up to perform songs penned a decade-plus ago. Artists Vincent Vidicci and Kassandra Ariel set up vendor stands, displaying celestial abstract paintings and gleaming-handmade jewelry.
Subjective Art Tour
Next Friday, CMJ-along with Optimystic LMZ--make their first stop on The Subjective Art Tour in Philidelphia, PA. The tour stops eight times, with over half of those spanning the northeast coast and finally ending with three stops in Minnesota.
Go Listen
Subjective Art for Mass Consumption” is available in a physical copy or digital download on Christopher Michael Jensen’s Bandcamp and wherever you stream your music.
