Jonathan Joseph, A Dream Deferred

Springfield hip-hop artist Jonathan Joseph says he lived every word of his new full-length album. Joseph’s delivery is raspy and honest. Throughout A Dream Deferred listeners get a front-row seat to intimate storytelling, an emotional roller coaster in subject and musical style. Many of its samplings come off as low-key, down-tempo, jazzy hip-hop numbers (see “VICE”, “Real Love”). “Come Close” is the funky anthem ready to set the party off. Joseph arranged and produced the bulk of the album with help from Soul Society bassist CJ Harrison. Joseph is joined by FreeGameGriff, TJ Nunn and Club Kids on “Before I Wake,” which is Joseph’s reaction to the 2016 shootings in his hometown of Dallas. A Dream Deferred is essential listening for all, joining the short list of such albums from Springfield’s hip-hop scene. A Dream Deferred releases to digital outlets Tuesday, March 7.