Oakland, California emcee joMi returning a year & a half after Too Close so he can release his 3rd full-length studio LP. Introducing himself in the underground off his 2018 debut Samo followed by the 2022 sophomore effort Media Noche, he actually came onto my radar around the time Too Close dropped since he signed to Soulspazm Records around that same time & finding out 80 Empire fully producing S.U.M. (Someone Understand Me) 1 had me more intrigued since I’ve been following some of the artists they’ve worked with for quite some time.

The title track sets a somber tone to get us started equating alcoholism with the devil whereas “Run” featuring Demrick depicts the desperate urge to escape reality over a cloudy boom bap instrumental. “Mirror 2 Times” works in a guitar solo he can reflect on the painful process of self-confrontation prior to “j.o.M.i (journey of My imagination)” telling everyone the meaning of his stage name bringing an atmospheric flare to the table.

“We Didn’t Notice TBH” goes full-blown trap to talk about feeling good leading into “Down If U Are” featuring G. Cardona & Ginger Nkosi highlighting the critical moment of self-questioning during joMi’s descent into drug experimentation. “Holy Water” hooks up acoustics & claps talking about alcohol being heaven sent, but then “Chico” featuring Baby Gas returns to the boom bap reflecting on the long way they came.

Starting the final leg of the LP, the song “Bottles on the Top Shelf” goes for a nocturnal trap vibe saying that the liquor & shrooms on the top shelf since they pair well while “144K” featuring Dizzy Wright brings a chilled out approach to the table asking if you want this drank & weed. The penultimate track “No Mind” featuring ¡MAYDAY! keeps it trap advising to ignore them & finally, “Used to Love” ends the album calling out a poison disguised as a remedy.

Other than that, S.U.M. (Someone Understand Me) 1 happens to be a powerful concept album that explores joMi’s own battles with alcoholism & addiction. He takes listeners on an emotional journey through the highs & lows of substance abuse, delving deeper into darkness offering a raw & immersive look into the emotional turmoil of addiction with better picked guests & improved production.

Score: 8/10