TJ Pompous who also goes by the name of PonyBoy, is a producer, rapper, and singer-songwriter from Stockbridge, GA. TJ is part of a group of emcees called APEX SOCIETY who has released 2 albums so far. His debut solo project is called “PonyBoy EP”. It follows the story of the book, The Outsiders.
TJ took some inspirations from the movie and gave it a hip hop twist. Currently, he is also working on his follow-up EP to be called “The Diamond Kid”, as well as producing EPs for the other members in his crew.
First, let me preface this by saying that I am not a hardcore hip-hop fan, but I do like it. I was really excited to get this EP because I knew it was going to be different and, frankly, no artist in any genre is being different right now. I have really been waiting for a recording like this to come along.
I have listened to it nonstop since I found it and it already feels like a classic, like it’s been around for a really long time. TJ Pompous has done what few hip-hop artists have been able to: grow as artists and push the limits of the genre without sounding presumptuous or at worst, corny.
With the exception of a few releases hip hop has often let me down. Its predictability, self-assured ego and lack of depth and emotional power have almost always had me listening to more rock music. Then one fine July day, something magical happened; TJ Pompous hit me over the head with the release of “PonyBoy EP”.
Is this TJ flexing his creative muscle in an attempt to give urban music the kick in the ass it so sorely needs? The answer to that question is, HELL YEAH! While there’s some of the usual player stuff; it’s not nearly as clichéd as most of the rappers cluttering up the airwaves.
TJ Pompous can been described in many ways; weird, eccentric, wise and powerfully alluring, but this outing will get him another description; genius. TJ deals with lots of emotions and situations, as he slides between rapping and singing with effortless ease.
As history has shown with other genres of music, hip-hop needs another evolution, and TJ Pompous is spearheading the movement with eclectic songs like “Nothing Stays Gold Forever”, “Cherry Lover” and “The Golden Song”, with its brilliant use of some classic music samples.
Whether it is realized now or later, “PonyBoy EP” is a classic hip-hop recording. It clearly showcases extreme creativity in music, lyrics and overall production. For those deep into hip hop and fed up about the way the music has deteriorated in recent years, pick this up and have your faith renewed.
Don’t be fooled by the radio, MTV and BET that what you see and hear represents all that hip hop has to offer. There’s more…there’s TJ Pompous.
OFFICIAL LINKS: SOUNDCLOUD APEX SOCIETY – SOUNDCLOUD TJ POMPOUS – TWITTER
