Carrying the Torch: Jamal J’s Babilu and the Weight of Words

Jamal J. is one of those artists who reminds you why lyricism still matters. Hailing from Montgomery County, Maryland, he brings a sharp pen, a heavy sense of purpose, and a vision that extends far beyond just making music. Jamal J’s writing style finds a unique space between legends like Brownsville Ka (RIP) and Roc Marciano; intricate storytelling mixed with effortless confidence. Every line feels carefully constructed, every verse packed with meaning. Babilu, his latest project, is a statement—dense with wordplay, layered with knowledge, and laced with critiques of power, both in the world and within hip-hop itself.

Montgomery County sits just outside Washington D.C., the heart of political influence in America. That proximity isn’t lost on Jamal. He refers to the area as Babilu, a reference to Babylon, the city of excess, corruption, and power. In this framing, Jamal positions himself as a poet of Babylon, speaking truth within a system designed to drown it out. His music isn’t just about rapping well, it’s about carrying messages that need to be heard.

The direction of the album is driven by the recurring themes that Jamal J. visits in each track. One of the most noteworthy runs on the album starts with "As Above So Below", setting the stage with a mix of mysticism and stark reality. The phrase itself suggests that what happens on a large scale mirrors what happens on a smaller one. That idea runs through the entire project—history repeating, cycles of oppression, personal struggles reflecting societal ones. Jamal’s flow is measured, his delivery precise, letting each line hit with full weight. He immediately establishes himself as someone with something to say, someone uninterested in empty flexes or throwaway bars. Instead, he wields his pen as a weapon of thought. “

"These liquid swords serve more purpose than sinuses running its course / We wipe the phlegm from the source, walking out suicide doors with no remorse.”

A clear GZA Liquid Swords reference, Jamal J’s focus is on clearing out the toxins that have entrenched themselves in the culture.

That theme carries over into "Torchbearers", one of the most direct critiques on the album. The track takes aim at those who claim to carry the torch for hip-hop but lack the knowledge, depth, or sense of responsibility that comes with it. Jamal sees a disconnect between the foundation of hip-hop—storytelling, resistance, and community—and what many of today’s self-proclaimed leaders in the genre represent. At the end of the song, a sample plays of Snoop Dogg officially passing the torch to Kendrick Lamar during a live performance. It’s a symbolic moment, one that reinforces the weight of legacy and the importance of who gets to represent the culture moving forward. Jamal isn’t just rapping for sport; he’s engaging in that very tradition, questioning who deserves the torch and what they choose to do with it.

Throughout Babilu, Jamal’s pen stays sharp, but it’s not all critique—there’s empowerment, resilience, and the constant push toward something greater. The production remains subtle, never overpowering his words, creating a space where every line can be absorbed. His delivery is conversational, almost spoken word at times, making his messages feel even more urgent.

The album closes with "Fruit Bearing Tree", an undeniable highlight. While its storytelling is heavy, it doesn’t leave listeners in despair. Jamal weaves a narrative of pain and struggle but ultimately offers hope; a reminder that no system is untouchable, that change is possible. The track reflects on cycles of violence and neglect, but rather than simply mourn the brokenness of the world, it dares to imagine something different. It’s the kind of song that stays with you long after the beat fades, not just because of its emotional depth but because of its refusal to accept things as they are.

Babilu is not background music. It’s not an easy, casual listen. It’s an album that requires attention, a project designed to be revisited, studied, and unpacked over time. In a rap landscape where depth can sometimes feel like an afterthought, Jamal J. delivers something undeniable. His words carry weight, his vision is clear, and his place in the underground is cemented. In a world where each day presents a new climate of challenges, Babilu is one of those pieces of art to hold onto. Printedraps will be running this album well into 2025.