A love letter to hip-hop and basketball
Growing up in Philadelphia in the ’90s, there weren’t many options for inner-city youth, which led to unfortunate situations. For some, it may be sports. For others, it may be music. For Raheem Jarbo, it’s both. Jarbo, also known by his stage name, Mega Ran, was reminded of his love for the two after a YouTube performance with the Four-Eyed Horsemen. It was then that he began watching NBA games again as well as researching the sport. Thus creating, Live ‘95, a fusion of hip-hop and basketball in the most endearing way.
Kicking off the album is “Live 95 (Basketball Diaries).” Immediately it feels like the pre-game commentary introducing Jarbo and his many titles. It quickly shifts to a piano and horn-focused melody. “Took a hobby and perfected it, used it to feed his fam,” is such a perfect way to introduce the album and its themes. “Flight 2.0” tells the tale of how Jarbo is trying to convince his mom to buy him a pair of Jordans. We hear the tale of him asking, to her morals crushing his wishes, to him explaining the importance, to him finally getting them and how big it plays a role in people’s lives as well.
“CRAIG HODGES” is a three-minute metaphor for Jarbo’s view on the current climate in the world. He speaks on how Black trauma has become a way to be successful in rap, the huge gap between the rich and the poor as well as interaction with police. “In a dashiki at the White House like I’m Craig Hodges,” blares in the chorus, connecting his views to the former NBA star’s actions at the White House after the 1992 Championship.
“In The Game” samples the famous tagline from the gaming company, Electronic Arts, sport’s division, EA Sports. Instead of being centered on sports, the track comments on the music industry. With help from EDI Mean and Young Noble, the artists emphasize they want their flowers now rather than when they are gone as well as the hard work and passion that got them to where they are.
“1995 (Generation Of Miracles)” brings forth that triumphant sound once again. Here is really a moment for Jarbo to become vulnerable. He stated that 1995 was “…the year that I went off to college so it changed a lot for me. It’s when I learned to be an adult.” As he speaks on the difficult moments, the production feels motivating. Despite all the issues, he overcame it and is better than ever. Another track with this theme is “Godly Dreams (Keep Risin’).” Over a lighter, almost pop beat, Jarbo echoes, “Keep on rising to the top.” Treating the line almost like a mantra while spitting lines on dishonesty and trust issues in his life. Yet, with all that on his mind, he still feels confident in overcoming it all.
Ending the album is “For The Love Of The Game,” featuring DN3and Rob Kovacs. This is another real big storytelling moment. He talks about the love he has for both hip-hop and how it’s been there for him since he was a child. With a sprinkle of basketball references, it feels like the theme of the entire album has come full circle. At the end of the day, if you love something, chase your dreams and make it happen.
Live ‘95, as a whole, feels like a soundtrack to an NBA video game. Mega Ran took video games, basketball and hip-hop to create almost a love letter to the things he loved most. With the 75th Anniversary Season being in just a couple of days, it feels fitting to release such a personal album. For Jarbo, the fusion of his favorite things allowed him to open up. “Every song is about an experience I’ve had, how I’ve reacted and responded to it. And how it’s changed me, usually for the better.”
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