Oakland, CA emcee joMi returns a year and a half after Too Close to release his 3rd full length studio LP. He has been featured in the underground since his debut in 2018 Samo followed by the 2022 sophomore effort Media Nightit did come on my radar at that time Very close dropped out since signing to Soulspazm Records around the same time and discovering that 80 Empire was fully producing SUM (Someone understands me) 1 it got me more excited since I've been watching some of the artists they've worked with for quite some time.
The title track sets a somber tone to start equating alcoholism with the devil, while “Run” featuring Demrick depicts the desperate desire to escape reality over a cloudy boom-bam instrumental. “Mirror 2 Times” works on a guitar solo that can reflect on the arduous process of self-contradiction before “joMi (journey of my imagination)” tells everyone the meaning of its stage name by bringing an atmospheric sheen to the table.
“We Didn't Notice TBH” goes full trap to talk about the feel good that leads into “Down If U Are” with G. Cardona & Ginger Nkosi highlighting the critical moment of self-evaluation during his descent joMi in drug experimentation. “Holy Water” links acoustics and claps talking about heaven-sent alcohol, but then “Chico” with Baby Gas returns to boom bap reflecting on the long way they've come.
Kicking off the final leg of the LP, the song 'Bottles on the Top Shelf' is a night trap, saying that top shelf booze and shrooms go together well while '144K' featuring Dizzy Wright brings a relaxed approach to the table. he asks if you want that drink and weed. The penultimate track “No Mind” featuring ¡MAYDAY! he holds the trap advising to ignore them and finally, “Used to Love” ends the album by shouting a poison disguised as a cure.
Apart from that, SUM (Someone understands me) 1 happens to be a powerful concept album that explores joMi's battle with alcoholism and addiction. He takes listeners on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of substance abuse, plunging deeper into the darkness offering a raw and riveting look at the emotional turmoil of addiction with better-chosen guests and enhanced production.
Rating: 8/10