CD Review: EMJ: "Street Credibility" - Capital City Free Press

Right: Elbert Montgomery, Jr., aka EMJ

capable of hitting hard but still delivering with a smooth tone.
"Street Credibility" is hip-hop with heart, full of punch but still capable of scratching the brain. EMJ's Southern flair paired with extra touches like the silky vocals of Kandace, who appears on three of the tracks, makes for an awesome collection of songs. This release is well-rounded and a tribute to all that is great about hip-hop. Of special note are "Get Up On the Floor," "Get Into It," "The Latin Track" and "You're Mad at Me." But the hits don't stop there. "Street Credibility" is an all-around great work.

Joseph O. Patton
Editor and Publisher
Capital City Free Press

Born in Scottsboro, Ala., hip-hop artist Elbert Montgomery, Jr., known to his fans as EMJ, remains true to his Alabama roots, brandishing a fresh new sound, witty and thought-provoking lyrics and cool rhymes in his latest release, "Street Credibility."
EMJ's route to his current artistic moxie came through a stint in the U.S. Army and a spiritual awakening, which prompted him to nix all of his earlier songs due to the explicit content. He studied audio technology and broadcast communications, arming himself with the musical mechanics to become a producer and even launch his own record label in 1999.
EMJ's first release, the self-titled "EMJ," was released on his new label, Around the World Records,

which is now based in Montgomery. The CD was nominated as one of the best rap/hip-hop albums at the Sounds of Seattle 2001 Music Awards. "EMJ" was followed by the EP "A.L.A.B.A.M.A." in 2002.
Now EMJ has unleashed the blazing "Street Credibility," a high-powered, upbeat collection of smooth rhymes, tight beats and clean production.
EMJ's lyrics are smooth, riddled with wit and through-provoking ideas. He shines when it comes to originality, daring to do his own thing and not follow the tired paths of other artists. His ability to craft intelligent messages without the vulgar muck that many artists get bogged down in is truly refreshing and welcome. It's another sign that EMJ has the courage and spunk to simply shine as himself and allow his talent to speak for itself. EMJ has a powerful, yet warm voice,

Volume 3, Issue 3, October 2003

CD Review:
"Street Credibility" by EMJ
Around the World Records

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