Video: Jahzel – “The Vision”

Every man needs a partner in crime. Luckily, Jahzel finds his in the video for “The Vision” from his recently released album, The Wake Up. The video, which premiered via RedEye Chicago, is set on a snowy day in the Windy City where Jahzel and his leading lady play the 2015 version of Bonnie and Clyde. “Jahzel and a partner become hardened criminals as they attempt a dangerous art heist on Chicago’s streets,” states the RedEye. “While it’s a somewhat gritty clip, Jahzel’s prowess behind the mic and his adventurous ear for beats manage to be both intense and accessible.”

Like a hip-hop version of the DaVinci Code, Jahzel is tasked with securing a prized piece of art. Unknown to the viewer, what the conniving duo are actually stealing is the cover art to Jahzel’s project, The Wake Up. Interspersed throughout the narrative is Jahzel rapping on a cold corner as he and his partner plan and execute the raid of a warehouse. Both the video and song represent the two sides of Jahzel. “The Vision” is both a lyrically dense narrative mixed with a knack for Jahzel’s commercially appealing hooks over hypnotic beats. Through a chopped and screwed drawl Jahzel spits on the chorus, “Windows down, music bumping, we’re just chilling, feeling epic, coastin’.” The Chicago rapper mixes a Houston indebted flavor to the hook, while still keeping his roots to the Chi clear.

Jahzel and his team have an on-going webisode series, The Collective, that’s being presented by HipHopDX and shows the conflict and struggles that happen behind-the-scenes of an up-start indie label. Jahzel’s project The Wake Up maintains his tradition of beautifully composed projects, as he seeks to provide a worldwide awakening to the complexities of growing up in the inner city of Chicago, complete with its snares, daily moral challenges, and overall limited options. Whether it’s the autobiographical “Faithful” premiered by HotNewHipHop, or the crew anthem “Who Is You?!” debuted by 2DopeBoyz, Jahzel has delivered quality content in the lead-up to his second album. Like his track “John Stockton/Radio Raheem,” which dropped via XXL, every song from his album plays upon his past growing up in Chicago and the bright future he has charted for himself.