Outside of “What A World,” I don’t have too much knowledge on Chester French. I’ve seen the name, but what I thought was a singular artist is actually a duo. Nevertheless, two things made me give this tape more than a passing glance: Clinton Sparks, and the featured guests. But I’ll let them talk about them.

“Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance” is a chronicle of the past six years of our lives. It tells our story, from the gymnasiums of Harvard to the hills of Hollywood. Unlike “Love the Future,” which we’ve written, arranged, performed, produced, and engineered by ourselves, “Jacques Jams” features a collection of new, original music that we created in the hills of Massachusetts and then invited some of our favorite artists to grace.

As young artists, we couldn’t be more grateful for this opporunity to collaborate with legends like Jermaine Dupri, Diddy, Pharrell, Pusha, Talib Kweli, Bun B., The Mad Rapper, Kardinal Offishall, N.O.R.E, and Jadakiss as well as younger friends like Janelle Monae, Cassie, Wale, Solange, Lady Gaga, and Mickey Factz. All of these fantastic artists have been more than generous with their creativity and hard work, so we owe them an enormous debt. Clinton Sparks, above all, has tirelessly guided us toward success and endurance, a tall order with obnoxious perfectionists like us!

Tracklist and link after the break.

Clinton Sparks & NMC Present Chester French – Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance