Words By Jason Hortillas

The term studio gangster has ran itself into the ground. But no rapper can really come test the track record of Sudanese rapper Emmanuel Jal, who has been literally handling a machine gun since the age of six.

Although he has experienced civil war, famine, and murder from his own hands, he doesn’t use it as a resume for his music career. Instead the former soldier uses the platform to preach for peace.

The first single from his album of the same name, “Warchild” is an emotional introduction to his experience. The Sudanese accent may take away from a lyrical critique as we would with other artists, but the content is definitely heavy. Instead of another Bono U2-inspired call for us to be more aware, hearing it from the source of a former soldier speaks much clearer.

Jal’s recently released album even features a dedication to Curtis Jackson, titled, “50 Cent,” telling the Southside emcee to be more mindful of what you choose to rhyme about. Straight up, I highly doubt 50 would give a damn but I’m really not hoping for a response track.

For more info, visit www.sonic360.com/emmanueljal.