Pigeon John Is Dating Your Sister

Album Review

Run-D.M.C. had their gold chains and Adidas. Flavor Flav had his clock, Tupac had his "Thug Life" tattoo and Pigeon John has his fedora?! A rapper's style icon can say much about his performance and this L.A. rapper wears his heart on his head. As you'd expect, Pigeon John doesn't come out blazing on his debut album. Nor does he get particularly deep. He is the everyman, tripping over his "Highschool Reunion" and sweating over his girl problems. "Emily" is a pure emo lesson about getting a girl pregnant and feeling bad for cutting out on her, a lighter-weight version of "Sorry Miss Jackson." It's probably the most serious song on this collection of songs that, while not flippant, are certainly lighthearted. Even PJ's vocal delivery makes him sound like the sort of buddy you could have long talks with over a beer. A talented yet sensitive character who shows the slightest hint of an island accent, making him sound both extra musical and extra accessible. So when he raps, "Every word I write seals my fate/Losing every single one of my friends to date," on "Life Goes On" it's hard to believe he's serious. In fact, the lesson told by guest Abstract Rude pretty much certifies that the song is a fable rather than an autobiography. DJ Rhettmatic of the Beat Junkies offers up the two strongest beats on the album, with PJ himself producing a majority of the remainder. But his Average Joe stance matches his casual rhythms. John's biggest obstacle is himself. But isn't it that way with most of us. No wonder it's easy to relate.