Nephew by OreoJones

Nephew is the second album by the non-profit organization The Church of Noise. The Church of Noise is a non-profit fundraising network founded by Joyful Noise Recordings staff and artists and run by a board of musicians, artists and past Church of Noise beneficiaries. The purpose of the Church of Noise is to financially support adventurous music - specifically music that might not otherwise exist in a purely capitalist system.

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Nephew emerges from a place of much-needed rest and peace. The recording process was marked by personal loss, as Jones' uncle passed away unexpectedly. This album stands as a poignant ode to the ancestors who have profoundly influenced Jones, celebrating their legacy and the artist he has become. Over the past few years, Jones has been navigating grief and loss within his immediate family, and this project serves as a cathartic release and a homage to those who came before him.

Hollywood California

Part of the album’s creation involved an immersive retreat in Los Angeles California, blending studio time with personal introspection. During this period, Jones immersed himself in the sounds of John Coltrane and the writings of Amiri Baraka and Larry Neal, drawing inspiration from their profound reflections on life, art, and Black America. The result is a manifesto of reflection and renewal, capturing Jones’ vision of looking at the brighter side of life amidst a world of pain and darkness.

Themes of Love, Family, and Adventure

Nephew is framed by themes of love, family, responsibility, passion, and adventure. These motifs are intricately woven into the fabric of Nephew, creating a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling. From the warm analog textured sounds of love to the excitement of new adventures, each song is a testament to the multifaceted human experience.
Grounded in Live Instrumentation and Thoughtful Production
Musically, Nephew is grounded in live instrumentation, showcasing thoughtful production and Oreo Jones' deft wordplay. The collaboration with Ben Lumsdaine brings a cohesive yet diverse sound, blending organic instruments with innovative production techniques. The result is a sonic journey that feels both intimate and expansive, resonating with listeners on multiple levels.

Oreo Jones’ Artistic Evolution

In Oreo Jones’ own words, “In a world of pain and darkness, I try to look at the brighter side of what life could be with this album.” Nephew is not just an album but a statement of hope and resilience. It’s a celebration of life’s joys and sorrows, framed by Jones’ unique perspective and artistic vision.

With Nephew, Oreo Jones has crafted an album that is as reflective as it is forward-looking, offering listeners a space for contemplation and renewal. It’s a beautiful swarm of sound, grounded in authenticity and enriched by the contributions of Jones’ growing family of collaborators. This album is a must-listen for anyone seeking music that speaks to the soul, celebrates the journey of life, and the evolution of Oreo Jones.

Indianapolis rapper Oreo Jones makes hip-hop for people with unreasonable expectations of what hip-hop can and should be. “Cash for Gold” delivers the soulful instrumentation that backpack-toting boom-bap addicts demand, the emotional vulnerability we expect in a post-Drake world, and a heavyweight intelligence that never becomes condescendingly academic.

Sean L Maloney of the Boston Globe

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