We’ve been writing about Ajani Jones for quite some time. He’s been featured on a few of our Better Half playlists and was included in our favorite Chicago songs of 2016 article. Just a recap: Ajani has been chosen to be the featured artist for AEMMP Hip-Hop (Columbia College Chicago’s award winning student run record label) for the 2017 year.

He just dropped his 4 track EP astrals entirely produced by BanksTheGenius (who has been working non-stop.) It is a self reflective record and easily listening hip hop at it’s finest. Don’t be fooled – it is full of dizzying bars and wordplay. He seems to rap with ease and doesn’t let up in energy.

The title beautifully reflects the production and theme of the project. Banks is one of the most versatile producers (and rappers) out of Chicago and proves it throughout these 4 songs.

Mazerunner is my favorite cut as Ajani is at his most agressive. He approaches instrumentals in such an interesting way as most evident by Figaro (with Roosevelt The Titan.)  It’ll be fun to watch his inevitable rise in 2017.